Davey Tree Flipbooks

R esearch indicates trees are good for us. But most of us already knew that. "Besides environmental benefits of trees, there is evidence trees are essential to human well-being," says Beth Buchanan, Davey retiree and Ohio Chapter ISA TREE Fund liaison. Although, as Buchanan says, "the pure aesthetic value of trees is a given" as well, city foresters and urban forestry commissions didn't always have the most ideal arguments to justify adequate budgets for urban tree programs. Thanks to non-profit organizations such as the TREE Fund, today, trees and the benefits they provide earn a bit more recognition and appreciation. Since 2002, the TREE Fund has distributed nearly $2.4 million in research grants, scholar- ships and funding for environmental education to advance the science, practice and safety of tree care and engage the next generation of tree stewards. Because trees are so important to our company and our industry, Davey has supported the TREE Fund in a variety of capacities for several years. "As tree experts, we value the TREE Fund's dedication to funding research, scholarships and educational programs in urban forestry and arboriculture," says Sandra Reid, vice president of corporate communications and strategic planning administration. Davey employees support the organization on an individual basis as well. For example, Davey's Jim Zwack, director of technical services for the Davey Institute, was named chairman of the TREE Fund board of trustees in 2013. His term ends this year. Tree Research Earns Davey's Attention 20 | November/December 2014 The Big Picture "Trees are critical to the health of our community," Zwack says. "But healthy urban trees don't just happen. TREE Fund research provides arborists with proven solutions to tackle tree care's tough problems, as well as practical strategies to keeping our neighbor- hoods shaded and green." For more than 20 years, one way Davey employees have supported the TREE Fund is by participating in the Tour des Trees. In the past five years, 12 Davey employees have participated at least once. Together, all Davey riders within that time frame have raised ap- proximately $84,000 for the TREE Fund. As Zwack says, "Healthy trees are rooted in research, and we all have a stake in the results." For more information about the TREE Fund, visit www.treefund.org. 16 Years of Much-Appreciated Support K eeping trees healthy and safe not only affects Davey's heavy industry involve- ment but also the success of the company. The 2014 International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) marks the 16th year Davey has sponsored the competition, held in conjunction with the ISA annual International Conference since 1976. Climbers from ISA chapters all over the world compete in a series of climbing events in the months leading up to the ITCC, which determines who qualifies to compete during the international competition. Arborists who participate in the ITCC events learn more about climbing best practices, industry standards and new equipment in a safe, competitive atmosphere. Sandra Reid, vice president of corporate communications and strategic planning administration, says Davey and the ITCC have many things in common, including a passion for innovation and an appreciation for trees and the benefits they provide. "Davey is proud to have sponsored this event for the past 16 years," Reid says. The ITCC is a collaboration of premier climbing arborists from around the world, which brings new techniques, ideas and innovation, she adds. "Over the years, Davey's support has advanced this competition into a premier industry event that has revolutionized climbing

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