Editor’s Note: Turning Over a New Leaf
With a new season comes a new era for ArborTIMES, and I am thrilled to be at the helm of the editorial team for such a stellar industry publication. Our previous editor, Millicent Skiles, has left big shoes to fill, but trust that we have just as much quality content and must-read features in store for many issues to come!
To introduce myself, I am no stranger to the world of digital content. I come from a background of writing, editing, and marketing. My byline has been featured in outdoor, travel, lifestyle, and industry publications, and I’ve enjoyed every moment I was able to share a bit of knowledge or an enticing story.
Although, I am more than just a woman behind a laptop. Since my undergraduate career at Loyola University, I have been scraping my knees and knuckles scaling rockfaces across the East Coast and southwestern states. In fact, when I am not working alongside my equally talented and experienced associate editor, Mara Watts, I am a wilderness instructor, training college students to safely set climbs, know their knots, and trust their equipment.
I am no stranger to personal protective equipment (PPE) or risky situations, but of course, climbing trees is a whole different technical world that requires even more expertise, awareness, and collaboration. Needless to say, my respect for the tree care community and the profession continues to grow with every article.
This issue, I am proud to bring you features on urban landscapes, water conservation, and hiring talent that will perhaps inspire conversation within your organization. You will also find buyers’ guides on aerial lifts and rigging kits and equipment as well as protection against common poisonous plants.
Our Sage Advice column stars Andy Price, marketing manager for the tree care division at Altec, who speaks to his greatest accomplishments throughout his career. Be sure to flip to our Safety Tailgate in which Bear LeVangie, founder, director, and trainer of the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, emphasizes the importance of crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s with job safety analyses (JSAs).
Don’t forget to check out arborexpo.org and start planning your visit to the Big E in March 2025.
Finally, I would like to mention that my inbox is always open – whether you have an idea for a story, a photo to share, or would simply like to introduce yourself to the new faces of ArborTIMES.
I could not be happier to share the voices and perspectives of such a skilled and dedicated community, and I am very excited for the future of the publication and the industry.
Stay grounded,
Amy Kent