FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division recently received a Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation to attend the “Growing Our Future” Missouri Community Forestry Council Conference held Aug. 25-27 in Branson.
TRIM grants are issued annually to fund many tree-related activities for municipalities and non-profits across the state. The $10,000 grant allotted to Springfield allowed approximately 24 urban forestry staff members and volunteers from Springfield’s Tree City USA Advisory Board to continue their education on the management of community owned trees.
While at the conference staff members attended various educational sessions on topics such as tree risk assessments, soil composition, insect and disease updates, and operating cranes during tree removals. Attendees experienced hands-on training activities including tree injection pesticide delivery, shrub pruning and a tree dedication ceremony.
“This conference is an invaluable resource to arborists and foresters all over the state of Missouri,” says Urban Forestry Technician Mike McDaniel. “It keeps those in the urban forestry field up to date with current industry practices and trends, provides networking opportunities and supplies a large source of ongoing education needed to maintain our arborist certification. Bringing these ideas and trainings back to the communities we serve helps provide the highest standards to our urban forest.”
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For more information, please contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].