Internet of Nature
PlanIT Geo Partners with the Internet of Nature Podcast to Scout the Future of Urban Forestry
PlanIT Geo and Internet of Nature
The Internet of Nature Podcast, created and hosted by Dr. Nadina Galle, uses interviews with thought-leaders and innovators to answer the question: Can nature and technology — long viewed as opposing forces — work together to create liveable cities and improve public health?
This collaboration was born out of a shared enthusiasm for trees and technology. As pioneers of urban forestry software, PlanIT Geo worked with Dr. Galle to select nine key topics facing the future of urban forestry. Dr. Galle will interview experts from the public, private, or nonprofit sectors to unpack each topic and discuss the implications for cities of the future.
Expect powerful stories, questions usually shied away from, and the latest ideas from those working to tackle urban forestry’s biggest challenges. The ten episode season kicks off Wednesday, April 5th. New episodes will be released every Wednesday on all major podcast platforms. Each episode will also have a companion blog expanding on the discussion. Find links to the episodes and blogs below.
Meet the Season 5 Guests
Alex Hancock
Urban Forestry Climate Consultant, PlanIT Geo
Andy Lederer
Oxfordshire County Council, England, United Kingdom
Brett KenCairn
Senior Policy Advisor for Climate & Environment, City of Boulder
Dan Lambe
CEO, Arbor Day Foundation
Ian Hanou
CEO and Founder, PlanIT Geo
Jad Daley
CEO, American Forests
Leslie Berckes
Executive Director, Society of Municipal Arborists
Tobin Mitnick
Actor, Comedian, and Naturalist, @jewslovetrees
Tom Ebeling
Community Arborist, Openlands
Vivek Shandas
Founder, CAPA Strategies
Season 5 Podcasts and Blogs
Launching Season 5 on the Future of Urban Forestry
Ian Hanou
April 5, 2023
EPISODE 1: This season, we’ll take a journey through the current state of urban forestry and its prospects for growth in 2023. We’ve identified some of the most pressing issues affecting urban forestry today and recruited Ian’s expert opinion to help us understand how these topics are impacting cities around the world. Our goal: uncovering what will be needed for future success as well as examining existing practices that can provide lasting solutions now.
What Can We Learn from the World’s Best Urban Forests?
Dan Lambe
April 12, 2023
EPISODE 2: Urban forests are unique and complex ecosystems that bring life, beauty, and recreation to cityscapes worldwide. Examining the world’s best urban forests can provide valuable insight into how cities can be maintained and improved to enhance their natural environment. The methods used in these urban forests provide a blueprint for cities aiming to reduce urban warming by planting trees, manage wildlife populations, preserve cultural value, and protect biodiversity. What can we learn from the most successful examples around the world?
Who Are the Treefluencers of Tomorrow?
Tobin Mitnick
April 19, 2023
EPISODE 3: The next decade brings with it a need for new, effective leadership in urban forestry. We need pioneering “treefluencers” and inspiring “Tree Mayors” to take up the fight to show our communities how green solutions can cost-effectively address critical everyday issues. Influencers have drastically changed consumer behavior, can they do the same to raise UF public awareness?
Faster than We Can Plant Trees On Public Land, We’re Losing Them on Private Land
Alex Hancock
April 26, 2023
EPISODE 4: It’s controversial, but to protect the urban forest as a whole, we need to protect trees on private land, on which 50 to 70% of the urban forest stands. Emerging technologies can help municipalities “look” into constituents’ backyards, but how far is too far? Is it even constitutional? Drawing on recent court cases and experiences, how can private tree ordinances balance public good with private rights?
Does Good Health Grow on Trees?
Vivek Shandas
May 3, 2023
EPISODE 5: Urban forestry can be a powerful tool in promoting positive health and wellness outcomes. This approach is new compared to the traditional “ecosystem service” model, as it allows cities to focus on more than just conservation – but also encourages healthy living habits. How can we help this approach appeal to those outside of the “usual suspects”, new stakeholders like general physicians, health departments, educators, and the community at large?
Where Have All the Young Urban Foresters Gone? – And How To Get Them Back
Leslie Berckes
May 10, 2023
EPISODE 6: It seems like every city wants to plant trees and conserve the urban forest… but where are we going to get the skilled professionals to plant, care for, and maintain trees? Like many industries, arboriculture and urban forestry has a skilled labor shortage. How can we inspire and train a sustainable urban forestry workforce?
How Can We Align Urban Forestry and Municipal Climate Change Policy?
Brett KenCairn
May 17, 2023
EPISODE 7: To better protect cities from the effects of climate change, many have adopted policies to increase resilience and livability. However, it remains uncertain if there is a strategic connection between urban forestry and municipal climate change initiatives in meeting both short-term sustainability goals and long-term success in urban forest planning. As climate change concerns continue to rise, how can we devise new strategies that bolster climate change resilience using urban forestry?
Don’t Tell Me How Many Trees You Planted, Tell Me How Many Are Still There After 20 Years
Tom Ebeling
May 24, 2023
EPISODE 8: To maximize their potential, urban forests must be carefully maintained to accommodate local environmental and soil needs. Without proper maintenance, these natural resources cannot reach their full benefits for the community. What new tools do we have at our disposal to meet the maintenance needs of tomorrow?
The Data-Driven Decision Making Revolutionizing Urban Forestry
Andy Lederer
May 31, 2023
EPISODE 9: In the last 10 years, cutting-edge technologies have substantially impacted urban forest development and maintenance – from facilitating important opportunities for improved forestry health to enhancing methods of community interaction. This exciting trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future, how can we grasp it with both hands?
If Money Grows on Trees, Where is Urban Forestry Funding?
Jad Daley
June 7, 2023
EPISODE 10: Urban trees are often written off as just another expense, but their true value extends far beyond money. As we enter the “age of the city,” funding needs to keep pace with the growth of urban forests, particularly as they are core infrastructure for sustainable and resilient communities. Why are urban forests chronically underfunded? How can new means of data-driven decision making help?
“Given PlanIT Geo’s history and legacy in helping cities pave a greener path with its software and services, it was a natural step to partner together. PlanIT Geo embodies the mission behind the Internet of Nature Podcast – which is to equip arborists, planners, and green professionals with the necessary tools for creating nature-rich communities that utilize technology in a responsible manner. ”
-Dr. Nadina Galle, Creator, and Host of the Internet of Nature Podcast.
Internet of Nature Season 5
Can nature and technology — long viewed as opposing forces — work together to create liveable cities and improve public health? Internet of Nature Podcast is on a mission to find out.