Outlook - Winter 2025
By Rose Epperson on Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Building a Legacy: Action Every Day
I had the good fortune to attend the Partners in Community Forestry (PCF) conference in November, an inspiring gathering that underscored the vital intersection of community action and environmental stewardship. In the words of Dan Lambe from the Arbor Day Foundation, "Legacy is not built someday; it is built every day." This invites us to reconsider how we shape our futures through daily actions. Building a legacy has always been important to me, and I was delighted to be inspired right from the start of the PCF week.
Dan’s welcome highlighted that true legacy is forged with each choice we make, guided by science, fueled by sweat, and underscored by sincerity. Every seed planted and every community initiative contributes to a tapestry of hope and health that we weave together. It got me thinking: what story do you wish to tell through your actions? Our legacies are often built through everyday interactions within our communities, where the power of collective effort truly shines.
The “pearls of wisdom” didn't end there. I was further intrigued by the concept of social forestry, articulated by Ray Tretheway. During a joint session with Dr. Kathy Wolf on “Community Forestry Pioneers,” Ray emphasized the interwoven nature of community involvement in forestry practices. Ray highlighted how the community forestry movement emerged from understanding that trees are not just resources but integral parts of our urban environments. The session celebrated the people who were at the center of community forestry at its birth. Andy Lipkus, Nancy Hughes and Ray and Kathy were just a few of the visionaries who had the foresight to gather and build an amazing legacy of community forestry groups through the years. Social forestry combines the principles of arboriculture with a commitment to enhancing social equity, fostering community participation, and nurturing local ecosystems.
Urban forestry embodies this intersection, acknowledging that our city trees require care and stewardship akin to those in a forest. By involving community members in tree planting, maintenance, and education, we cultivate not just greenery, but also resilient communities. Each tree planted serves as a symbol of hope and connection, reminding us that we are all stewards of our environment. This excitement for arboriculture and urban forestry has me looking forward to Jim Clark’s upcoming presentation kick off our 2026 First Wednesday Webinar on February 4th with Arboriculture in a Time of Urban Forestry. I will be online; will you?
Another inspiring initiative at the conference was the Forests in Our Cities program. This network identifies and chronicles forested spaces in urban areas, sharing these valuable resources with residents and visitors. Cities like New York and Atlanta excel at mapping and celebrating green spaces, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature in urban settings. This program encourages cities to discover their own urban forests, inviting residents to engage with these serene spaces and recognize their vital role in enhancing public health and community well-being. However, there was a noticeable void in representation for western cities, which was a call to action for me—to encourage them to “get on the map.” I’m eager to collaborate with municipalities on this initiative. The Natural Areas Conservancy’s network, launched in 2019, promotes healthy forested areas in cities through science, management, partnerships, and communications. Check it out: https://naturalareasnyc.org/forests-in-cities-network/. If you want to get involved, drop me a line. It’s my personal goal to see the West represented.
Earlier this fall, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to New Zealand with the International Society of Arboriculture for their Annual Conference. I commend the local chapter and the ISA team for organizing a fantastic event. The International Tree Climbing Championship was notably windy, yet our climbers showed remarkable skill. Special congratulations to Kate Miller for earning 3rd place with her throwline and Jacob Claassen for achieving 2nd place in the belayed climb. Their achievements exemplify the talent within our community and inspire us to nurture and celebrate our urban forests. The event featured established experts and emerging voices…a wonderful confluence of ideas and knowledge.
Suffice to say, I noticed a pattern this quarter, community, legacy, knowledge, growth. I came away from the bustling fall renewed and energized. As we begin the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect: What legacy do you want to build, not someday, but starting today? Let’s do more than talk about it, let’s make it happen.
Cheers to Trees,
Rose