Andy Trotter
Vice President of Field Operations for West Coast Arborists
What is/was your relationship to ReLeaf?
I have been interfacing with various ReLeaf Network groups starting with an Urban Forest Management workshop at San Luis Obispo in the mid 1990’s. When I was president of California Urban Forest Council in 2007, we worked together with leadership from CaUFC, WCISA, and ReLeaf to develop the first United Voices for Healthier Communities Planting Project that involved 30 communities and members from all 3 organizations to complete one of the largest cooperative planting projects in California.
What did/does California ReLeaf mean to you?
California ReLeaf provides an opportunity for local groups who support trees to learn from and tap into resources of a cooperative statewide umbrella. Over the last 20 years I have seen many members of these groups learn more about the reasons behind various urban forest management approaches. As a result they work better with the professionals from the tree care industry.
Best memory or event of California ReLeaf?
My best memories are working on the United Voices For Healthier Communities project in 2007. It was a joy to watch the 3 main statewide tree groups (CaUFC, ReLeaf, WCISA) work together for a common goal.
Why is it important that California ReLeaf continue its Mission?
Local community tree groups can provide a valuable resource in advocating for urban forests and educating on best management practices. The most important challenge of ReLeaf would be to encourage more of these groups throughout California and develop their skills so they can have the impacts I see from groups like the Sacramento Tree Foundation, Urban Tree Foundation, Our City Forest, and the other top tree groups from our state.