Dr. Francisco Escobedo

Research Scientist, USDA Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Research Station

This presentation will discuss how the socio-ecological systems approach can be used to better understand the benefits and costs of urban forests. It will then present examples of projects where this has been used to address environmental problems, including here in Los Angeles via the Tree Ambassador’s program.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Francisco J. Escobedo is a Research Scientist with the USDA Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Research Station and the Los Angeles Urban Center. Prior to this he was a Professor of Socio-ecological Systems at the Universidad del Rosario, Biology Department in Bogota, Colombia (2016-2020) and an Associate Professor of Urban and Community Forestry at the University of Florida (2006-2015). His research focuses on the environmental sustainability and resilience of communities and ecosystems in urban and peri-urban forests as well as measuring and informing the public about the benefits and costs of nature and how socioeconomic factors and policies drive changes to these ecosystems. 

Luis Sierra Campos

Engagement Manager at North East Trees

Explore the transformative power of community engagement. This session will delve into the four essential pillars: Participation and Inclusion, Communication and Transparency, Empowerment and Capacity Building, and Collaboration and Partnership, highlighting their critical role in fostering inclusive, effective, and sustainable interactions with urban communities. Gain practical strategies and insights to elevate your organization’s engagement approach, ensuring every project is responsive, accountable, and impactful in addressing the unique needs of urban environments.

Speaker Bio: Luis Sierra Campos (he/him/él) is a compassionate and dedicated individual who has devoted his life to advocating for transformative justice, belonging, diversity, equity, and accessibility. As a base-building community organizer, communications strategist, and non-profit professional, he uses his skills to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and bring their stories to the forefront. Fluent in English and Spanish, Luis has collaborated with a diverse roster of public and private entities to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities locally, nationally, and internationally throughout his career.

Driven by a commitment to social justice, Luis has focused on sharing the experiences of disenfranchised communities, immigrants, youth, and those most affected by human-caused climate change and its impact. Drawing inspiration and hope from spirituality, contemporary social movements led by youth, women, and other people of color, and the wisdom of modern-day poets and scholars. His dedication to justice and equity is evident in his work, which positively impacts marginalized communities across California, the U.S., and Latin America. Through his efforts, Luis continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals, empowering them to create a more just, kind, and equitable world.

Igor Laćan 

Bay Area Environmental Horticulture and Urban Forestry Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension

Igor will facilitate an interactive group discussion on various hot topics related to urban forestry.

Speaker Bio: Igor Laćan is a University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor for the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in urban forestry. He also serves on California ReLeaf’s Board of Directors as Board Secretary. His work with the UC Cooperative Extension program focuses on urban trees and water, developing research projects on emerging issues in urban landscapes. Igor also serves as a technical advisor and resource for landscape professionals, planners and architects, local governments, Cooperative Extension colleagues and other academics, and tree-focused non-governmental organizations.

Miranda Hutten

Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

This presentation will provide an overview of federal programmatic updates including Inflation Reduction Act, staffing, and the Los Angeles Center for Urban and Natural Resources and Sustainability.

Speaker Bio: Since 2015, Miranda Hutten has led the Urban and Community Forest Program for the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) of the U.S. Forest Service. Her program area covers California, Hawaii, and the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands (Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, American Samoa, and Palau). Her goal is to further partnerships with states, cities, communities and nonprofit organizations to increase awareness of the importance of trees in sustaining healthy and resilient communities. Miranda is a graduate of the School of Environmental and Public Affairs at Indiana University with master’s degrees in both natural resources management and applied ecology. She was appointed as a Presidential Management Fellow in the USDA Forest Service as well as served in natural resource management roles at various government levels and non-profits. In her spare time, Miranda enjoys wilderness camping across the region and attempting to develop a green thumb in her backyard.

Henry Herrera

Urban Forestry Supervisor for Southern California, CAL FIRE

CAL FIRE will give an overview of their Urban and Community Forestry Program. The presentation will include services provided, grant funding opportunities, and program resources.

Speaker Bio: In 2005, Henry Herrera graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources with a concentration in urban forestry. Between 2004-2013, Henry worked in the San Bernardino, Cleveland and Sierra National Forests as a wildland firefighter, forester and special uses permit administrator. In 2014, Henry accepted a job as the San Bernardino Unit Forester working for the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). From May of 2019 through April 2023, Henry worked as CAL FIRE’s Regional Urban Forester in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Henry is now the Southern California Urban Forestry Supervisor for CAL FIRE. Henry’s main experience has been with fuels/vegetation management (fire prevention), reforestation, environmental studies, urban forestry, public information and working with youth from disadvantaged communities to increase their access to education and careers. Henry is a native of Southeast San Diego and resides in Menifee with his wife, son, and daughter. Henry is a Registered Professional Forester and Certified Arborist.

Victoria Vasquez

Grants and Public Policy Manager, California ReLeaf

Victoria will provide an update on current State level advocacy efforts and ways Network Members can stay-up-to-date and get involved.

Speaker Bio: Living in the City of Trees, Victoria is passionate about creating equitable public health outcomes by increasing and maintaining a healthy tree canopy and green infrastructure. As the Grants & Public Policy Manager for California ReLeaf, she works to connect community leaders with their local and larger governments, to advocate for trees and to secure resources and grant funding to implement plantings. Victoria currently serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Chair of the City of Sacramento Parks & Community Enrichment Commission, a technical advisor for Climate Plan, and on the Board of Directors for Project Lifelong, a nonprofit that supports youth development in non-traditional outdoor sports.

Alex Binck

Tree Inventory Tech Support Program Manager, California ReLeaf

Alex will provide an update on the newly launched Network Tree Inventory Program and highlight how Network Members are using their TreePlotter accounts for the benefit of their organization.

Speaker Bio: Alex is an ISA Certified Arborist who is enthusiastic about utilizing the newest research in arboriculture and data science to enhance the management of urban forests and improve community resilience in the face of a changing environment. Before joining ReLeaf’s staff in 2023, he served as a Community Arborist at the Sacramento Tree Foundation. During his tenure at SacTree, he assisted members of the public with tree planting and maintenance–as well as overseeing their community science programs. At California ReLeaf, Alex will help launch and oversee the implementation of our new state-wide urban forest tree inventory program for our Network of over 75+ urban forest nonprofits and community groups.

In his free time, he enjoys the great outdoors and his garden, where he grows a variety of uncommon plants and trees. He especially loves helping others identify trees in person and on platforms like iNaturalist.