On September 19th, an important milestone for Euclid’s urban forestry efforts was celebrated at the historic Henn Mansion. Six members of the City of Euclid’s staff and Shade Tree Commission graduated from the Ohio Tree Commission Academy (TCA), presented by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.

The Ohio Division of Forestry established the TCA to provide formal training for volunteer tree commissioners, public managers, and elected officials across Ohio. The academy comprises a series of four classes designed to impart essential knowledge on urban forestry and public resource management. The ultimate goal is to cultivate well-informed individuals capable of supporting their community’s urban forestry mission with confidence and expertise.

The graduation ceremony at Henn Mansion highlighted the significance of tree commissions, regardless of a community’s size or capacity, and the crucial role played by public employees responsible for the care and expansion of urban forests. These dedicated teams serve as enthusiastic cheerleaders, advisors, and sounding boards, keeping the tree canopy connected to the community.

Among the graduates were Shade Tree Commissioners Alyssa Zearley and Roy Larick, Euclid Planning and Development Department staff members Jim Fialko, Christine McIntosh and Ed Chenock, and Director of Planning and Development Patrick Grogan-Myers. Their participation in the TCA underscores their commitment to ensuring that Euclid’s urban forest is properly managed and that the community can continue to enjoy and sustain the numerous benefits of trees.

“This team has dedicated a year to this endeavor and brought a lot to our class,” said Western Ohio Regional Urban Forestry Coordinator Steph Miller, “they have been gracious hosts.”

With their new-found expertise, our TCA graduates are now better equipped to help the city meet its urban forestry goals effectively. The training they received covered a wide range of topics, from how to read and write ordinances for public trees and tree commissions to hands-on urban forestry: planting, pruning, and removal. Graduates learned why and when these essential tree care activities need to be done, as well as receiving an introduction to the economic, environmental, and social benefits of urban forestry.

The graduates' enhanced knowledge and skills will undoubtedly benefit Euclid’s urban forestry initiatives. Their achievement signifies a bright future for Euclid’s tree canopy, ensuring that the city remains a green and vibrant place for its residents.

As Henn Mansion echoed with applause and congratulations, it was clear that this graduation marked not just the end of a course, but the beginning of a new chapter for Euclid’s urban forestry program. The community can look forward to a well-managed and thriving urban tree canopy, thanks to the dedication and hard work of its tree commissioners and staff.



More information about the Ohio Division of Forestry Tree Commission Academy can be found at Ohiodnr.gov.