Tree Town Urban Forest Team experimenting with tree protection measures.
The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) is proud to recognize the Tree Town Urban Forest Team (TTUF) as the 2025 Tree Conservationist of the Year. This award honors their exceptional dedication to advocacy and community education.
Originally established as a collaboration between the Ann Arbor chapters of Wild Ones and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the TTUF views trees as a vital tool for environmental resilience. To date, the team has successfully engaged nearly 30 community members in the stewardship of Ann Arbor’s urban forest. Some of the members are Barbara Lucas, Marta Manildi, Meg Delaney, Lissa Spitz, Joan Martin, Richard Wieland, Miriam Kirsch, Nadine Wang, Jean Wohlever, Heather Chen-Yost, Erich Jensen, Cathy Bach, and many more.
The Miyawaki Method and Pocket Forests
A primary inspiration for the TTUF’s early work was the Miyawaki method. This technique involves planting diverse tree and shrub species in dense arrangements to mimic the natural structure of an established forest.
By prepping the soil and encouraging intense competition among the saplings, the method creates the ideal conditions for a thriving pocket forest. Through collaboration with Ann Arbor City Parks and a dedicated core of founding members, the TTUF has successfully planted two such forests: one at County Farm Park with 24 species and another at Buhr Park with 47 species.
Collaboration and Persistence
These projects were the result of significant perseverance. Through a process of trial and error, the team built the necessary support within the community and city government to bring their vision to life. Long-term efforts by early members-such as Jeannine Palms, who spent years working with the city on the Buhr Park Children’s Wet Meadow projects-have helped pave the way for these successful plantings.
Trees planted using the Miyawaki method
The TTUF planting a pocket forest
Education and Protection
Beyond planting, the TTUF is committed to the long-term protection of the local canopy. Their multifaceted approach includes:
- Physical Barriers: Recently, the TTUF installed 30 tree trunk protectors (donated by the WCCD) throughout Ann Arbor. These guards prevent fatal damage from mowers and weed whackers.
- Education: The team created materials about tree protection, helping to educate on the dangers of machinery to trees.
- Policy & Landscape: The team advocates for clustering trees and shrubs, and expanding unmowed areas to reduce maintenance-related risks to young trees.
- Economic Impact: By preventing tree loss, the TTUF hopes to save the city hundreds of dollars per tree in replacement and removal costs.
- Continuing Trials – The TTUF is trialing some different tree protection measures. They are working on expanding some trialing they did by installing in public spaces, with signage to educate the public on options.
The members of the TTUF have collectively brought thousands of hours of experience to the team. All this experience has contributed to many hours to planting, maintenance, and education. Their efforts beautifully showcase how a dedicated group can drive meaningful change within their community.
If you’re interested in learning more, or being a part of the change visit PocketForests.org. Fill out the contact form found on the homepage to become a part of the change.
PocketForests.org
Thanks to all the members of the Tree Town Urban Forest team for their work in stewardship over community forests.
Join us in celebrating all the Annual Awardees at the Conservation Celebration on March 12, 2026!