Teamwork Strengthens Community Forestry

Synergy, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is “the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effort is greater than the sum of their individual efforts.” 

The agents or forces in community forestry have long been local tree boards and dedicated city foresters. But today, more is needed. Nonprofit organizations, benevolent businesses, and utilities are adding their strength to the common cause. Partnerships are bringing new skills, greater funding, and more human resources to the effort. They are also contributing to broader public support — an essential foundation for systematic, continuous tree care programs. 

“The Arbor Day Foundation was created through partnerships and owes much of its success to partners at the local, state and federal levels,” said former Foundation Chief Executive Matt Harris. “We encourage communities everywhere to take the same approach. In this issue, we highlight a few of the many efforts that are resulting in greener, healthier communities nationwide. I offer heartfelt thanks to the dedicated leadership and membership of colleagues in other nonprofits, and to the generosity of corporate and utility partners. Together we can build a better America for tomorrow.”