Davey Tree Flipbooks

16 | May/June 2014 L eaves from banyan trees feed the giraffes, while birds perch on cut logs. Meanwhile, crewmembers learn how to dodge giraffe tongues, avoid angry lions and evade 16-foot alligators while maintaining the beauty and safety of Naples Zoo. Every job at Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens is unusual and full of challenges: The working interface changes constantly and it's exciting, according to Dan Powell, district manager of Davey's Naples R/C office. And, on Jan. 11, Davey's Naples crewmembers and representatives from the Davey Institute, led by Technical Advisor A.D Ali, had the opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day—in a wild way. Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens welcomed Davey to help educate zoo attendees about arboricul- ture. Through demonstrations, Q&As and giveaways, Davey's crewmembers educated guests on proper tree care, while building relation- ships with Naples residents and zoo visitors. Situated adjacent to the lion's den, Davey's booth was in the perfect spot. It was a roaring good time for zoo visitors who collected Davey-logoed giveaways while watching the lions snooze in the shade. Guests collected bamboo pens, Davey sunflower seeds and the crowd's favorite, wristbands. Davey crewmembers spent time discussing tree safety to inform attendees about different tools and safety instruments and how to use them appropriately. Zoo visitors also spent the day in the Zoo Rainforest where they watched Davey crew- members monkey around. The crew scaled and climbed banyan trees—trees with aerial roots, which later become accessory trunks—showing attendees the proper way to trim trees. "I have the climbing genes, so the demonstrations were my favorite," Powell says. In addition to climbing demonstrations, attendees asked Davey crewmembers questions about tree care and maintenance. "It's really good to get out there and talk about trees with people," Powell says. "It's still amazing in my mind. You're just talking trees. It's always fun." Davey, having a positive relationship with Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens, enjoyed being a part of its first Arbor Day celebration. "We were just trying to give back," Powell says. "They really rely on a lot of charitable contributions to keep running. We all volun- teered our time." Powell, Ali, S&S Technician Rich Wiland and Foremen Derek Harris and Oscar Ruiz participated in the zoo's Arbor Day events. Davey's Naples R/C office, working with Naples Zoo horticulturist Danielle Green, has preparations already underway for next year's Arbor Day festivities, including improvements like free admission and additional marketing. Green "was instrumental in the success of this year's Arbor Day," Powell explains. "Davey is excited to be a big game player in an anticipated longstanding tradition." Celebrating Arbor Day with the Animals Danielle Green, president of the Association of Zoological Horticulture and horticulturist at Naples Zoo, stands between S&S Technician Rich Wiland (left) and District Manager Dan Powell. Foremen Derek Harris and Oscar Ruiz conduct a climbing and pruning demonstration.

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