For International Women’s Day 2023, we’re highlighting three women in arboriculture we know and admire who are bringing the value of trees and tree stewardship to the attention of the world in diverse and meaningful ways. Anyone who loves trees will appreciate their leadership and commitment!
Kari Divine, Executive Director of Urban Wood Network
Urban Wood Network (UWN) is a collaborative, growing network of arborists, municipalities, sawmills, suppliers, manufacturers and makers, engineers and design professionals who are passionate about the reuse of trees for their highest purpose after they are felled in local communities. As UWN Executive Director, Kari is leading UWN initiatives, growing its membership base, and moving UWN’s mission of building community, business, and consumer confidence in the urban wood industry forward. She was instrumental in bringing urban wood groups across the nation together into a single, nationwide network that shares ideas, technical knowledge and resources. “Many times, wood from urban trees is used for firewood, mulch, or all too often, it is landfilled. UWN is working to ensure these trees are utilized to their highest and best value. Connect with local UWN members on our website at www.urbanwoodnetwork.org to learn more.” Our Urban Wood Lab Store is proud to be a UWN member.
Julie Hein, Director of Interpretive Development and Educational Outreach, Forest Exploration Center
In 2020 the Forest Exploration Center (FEC), a nonprofit that cares for the state-owned legacy forest in Wauwatosa, opened an accessible self-guided trail to provide forest-focused education and recreation to all. Julie’s vision helped make the trail a reality. She also designs the interpretive exhibits that help visitors deepen their understanding of sustainable forestry as they explore. Panel themes rotate seasonally to provide an ever-changing educational nature trail experience. A biologist, interpretive planner, and state-licensed educator, Julie has a vital leadership role in management of the forest and development of FEC’s community events. She also collaborates with the DNR Division of Forestry on climate-adaptive management to ensure the forest remains healthy. Her upcoming projects include “Green Jobs” interactive trailside exhibits in partnership with the Sustainable Forest Initiative that will introduce Milwaukee youth to career pathways in sustainable forestry and conservation; and FEC’s Living Classroom, a four-acre curated arboretum for exhibits, programs and demonstrations that highlight the value trees provide each day. Read Julie’s guest blog.
Amy Tetreault, Executive Vice President, Tree Care Industry Association
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is a trade association of 2,300 tree care firms and affiliated companies worldwide on a mission to advance tree care businesses by developing standards of tree care practice, safety programs, and continuing education that promotes the safe and appropriate practice of tree care. In this newly formed role, Amy is responsible for helping TCIA teams translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, as well as implementing organization-wide goal setting, company operations, and employee productivity. She has served in roles of increasing responsibility and authority within the corporate engagement, development, and marketing teams. During her tenure at TCIA, Amy also helped launch the Women in Tree Care initiative (now headed up by TCIA’s own Erin Demers). You can read or listen to her article, Championing Women in Tree Care, here. Hoppe Tree Service first became accredited by TCIA in 2006, and we’ve been proud to maintain our accreditation and membership ever since.