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A row of conifer trees.

Urban Forestry Fellow Attends Sustainable Forestry Initiative Conference as a Youth Delegate

This past June I had the unique and profound experience of attending the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) annual conference in Atlanta as a youth delegate. Among the 49 other youth delegates there were students and young professionals from many diverse backgrounds. Hailing from all over the United States and Canada, they were each dedicated to taking care of the world’s forests. I was eager to meet the cohort and start the conference.

SFI’s mission is to “advance sustainability through forest-focused collaboration.” The extremely passionate people at SFI do fantastic work in areas critical to forest sustainability such as creating forestry standards, conducting research, strengthening community, and educating people about the importance of trees and forests. Their annual conference reflects the collaborative nature of the organization, with representation from logging companies, forest scientists, conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and, of course, the youth delegation.

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A graphic that reads "SFI'S THEORY OF CHANGE: 2025 - 2030" with a circle graph set inside what looks like the ross section of a tree stump.
SFI’s new strategic direction is guided by Standards, Conservation, Community, and Education.

We were greeted in Atlanta by SFI staff dedicated to advancing green careers. Before the conference began, we were guided through sessions that taught us networking skills and gave us the confidence to reach out to people at the conference to advance our careers. Delegates were also assigned mentors, who were professionals in various fields of forestry, to help us make connections with their colleagues. With these new skills, and a fresh stack of personalized business cards made for us, we were released to the conference.

As much as conferences are about learning the newest research, technology, and tree initiative, they really are about connecting with people. With the support of SFI, I met so many interesting, intelligent, and welcoming people who I will continue to work with over the course of my career.

And while it’s fun, I believe it’s important. Exchanging stories and forging relationships while espousing our passion for trees creates a more vibrant and effective tree-care community, especially in this time where trees and forests are threatened by climate change and deforestation. As someone who cares about trees, I was encouraged to see so many people dedicated to trees and forests.

These dedicated people don’t just care about their own careers.  I am extremely grateful that an organization like SFI is committed to building younger generations into strong advocates and leaders. Just like the intern and fellow program at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, providing these opportunities for young people that educate and encourage connection are so important to building a greener, more sustainable future. In that light, after meeting the other youth delegates I am filled with tremendous hope. I can confidently say the future of forests and trees will be in good hands.

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A large group of people standing on risers on a stage in front of an emerald green curtain.
The 50 youth delegates at the SFI conference with members of SFI staff, including SFI President and CEO Kathy Abusow (first row, center). Matt Walker is in the top row to the left (the highest head in the picture).