Panel Overview:
This panel will focus on how we elevate the standing of trees as an urban BMP in the Bay watershed by improving delivery of urban forestry practices in both the public and private sectors. The panel will focus discussions on innovative approaches to regional collaborations, financing, marketing, tree equity, and long-term sustainability of tree planting programs.
The webcast will provide ample time for audience interaction to offer your best ideas on how we can promote the greenest of infrastructure.
Speaker Bios:
Sally Claggett
U.S. Forest Service – Chesapeake Bay Program Office
Sally Claggett has been the US Forest Service Liaison to the Chesapeake Bay Program for a long time. In this capacity, she works with partners to better integrate and quantify the benefits of forestry practices to water quality and other ecosystem services. Prior to her work at the Chesapeake Bay Program, Sally worked on two National Forests. She holds a MS in Ecology from the University of Oregon, and a BS in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado. She is a native of Chesapeake shores.
Ashley Traut
Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition
Ashley Traut is the Senior Advisor for the Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition, where he works to unite a regional partnership around creating a thriving and resilient green infrastructure network throughout Central Maryland. Ashley also runs Gaiacene Services, an environmental consulting firm that specializes in site-scale, nature-based and renewable energy solutions. Prior to these roles, Ashley served as Senior Program Manager for Innovative Stormwater Projects at Blue Water Baltimore where he developed and led programs focused on community-wide stormwater reduction strategies and oversaw the design and construction of capital stormwater projects. Ashley has a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida, and is a graduate of the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy.
Kate Gordon
RK&K
Kate Gordon is a Natural Resources Project Manager at RK&K with over 16 years of experience working on environmental restoration projects, including extensive experience supporting TMDL/MS4 compliance through the use of tree planting and forest creation. Kate is an ISA certified arborist, MD DNR Licensed Tree Expert and a Professional Wetland Scientist. She spent 5 years working with MDOT SHA to develop and manage their TMDL tree planting program and is currently supporting Harford County as a Conservation Landscape Coordinator to support the County’s efforts to use tree planting, forest creation and conservation landscaping for MS4 compliance. Kate has an MS in Forest Resources & Watershed Stewardship from Penn State University and a BS in Geography and Environmental Systems from University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Ann Jurczyk
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Ann Jurczyk is the Virginia Director of Advocacy and Outreach for CBF. Ann performs and oversees outreach and grassroots activities in Virginia, managing all of CBF’s grassroots staff throughout the Commonwealth. Ann specializes in organizing and engaging CBF constituents, other conservation leaders and organizations, and the general public on CBF advocacy issues. Ann also runs CBF’s Clean Water Captains program in Virginia and oversees faith-based outreach in the state. Lastly, Ann provides expertise and oversight for CBF’s holistic urban restoration projects in the Central Virginia region.