This presentation will cover how to ensure that historically underserved communities, especially communities of color, are included and empowered in urban forestry programs. For far too long, these communities have been the subject of decisions made by those from outside the community, with inadequate attention given to the stories, needs, values, and goals of the community residents that urban forestry programs are meant to serve. Reversing this trend requires equity—providing the right amount of assistance based on each community’s needs—and power shared by urban foresters and organizations who seek to remedy urban tree inequities with residents most closely affected.
Growing towards equitable urban forest stewardship
Guests
Christine Carmichael
Fair Forests Consulting
Founder and Principal Consultant
Dr. Christine Carmichael is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Fair Forests Consulting, LLC. Her work there trains students and professionals on what environmental justice means, facilitates productive dialogue among diverse groups on how to achieve environmental justice through urban forestry, and assists organizations in writing grant proposals to advance environmental justice goals through urban forestry. Dr. Carmichael works with municipal, state, and federal government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations across the U.S. to develop inclusive community engagement plans for urban forestry planning processes.
In addition, Dr. Carmichael holds a Ph.D. in Forestry with a Specialization in Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change and was selected as an Honorary Member of the Society of Municipal Arborists in 2022 for "outstanding contributions to the urban forestry profession as a researcher, author, and educator."
In addition, Dr. Carmichael holds a Ph.D. in Forestry with a Specialization in Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change and was selected as an Honorary Member of the Society of Municipal Arborists in 2022 for "outstanding contributions to the urban forestry profession as a researcher, author, and educator."