2025 Great Tree Summit

Description:  Species selection for tree planting requires consideration of the impact of climate change. Gain insights into planting for future conditions and leveraging green infrastructure to enhance climate resiliency in your community. He’ll explore historical climate data, observed changes over the past century, and strategies for adapting to future conditions. Learn about stormwater management through tree trenches, i-Tree tools, and the US Forest Service Tree Atlas, which rates tree species resilience to climate extremes and predicts future ranges.

Bio:  Dave Gamstetter is a project developer with Davey Resource Group. Dave is responsible for building relationships with public and private partners to provide services for green infrastructure structures and systems and urban forestry consulting team projects.  Dave has extensive experience in urban forest management that was gained over a 30-year career as Natural Resource Manager for the Cincinnati Park Board. Dave is an ISA Certified Arborist and National Green Infrastructure Certified.

Description: SLF has established beachheads in several locations in Greater Cincinnati. It’s only a matter of time before this non-native breaks out to spread throughout our region. What can we expect? What should we do?? Should we sell and go west??? This presentation answers these and other questions by covering the biology, population dynamics, and impacts of SLF. Realtors are welcome.

Bio: Joe Boggs has over 33 years of Extension experience specializing in plant problem diagnostics and pest management in urban forests and landscapes.  He averages over 90 teaching presentations per year with a strong focus on non-native invasive insects. Joe has worked with state and federal regulatory agencies to develop and offer outreach training to horticulture professionals on a range of non-native invasives including emerald ash borer, thousand cankers disease, hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle, and most recently box tree moth and spotted lanternfly.

The panel will discuss and show examples of planting methods that encourage a tree’s survival rate. Understanding deer’s behavior and guarding your tree will be included. Have a question for the Panel to answer? Email us your question to us by Feb. 1.

Bios:

Kristopher Stone is a University of Kentucky graduate with a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science (Horticultural Science). Since 2002, he has served as Director of Boone County Arboretum and owns Green Vision Professional Services. Kris actively engages with community organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area and Ohio Valley, promoting the Arboretum’s mission. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and serves on various forestry and plant councils. Inspired by his early experiences at Bernheim Arboretum, Kris has cultivated a lifelong passion for woody plants, particularly trees and shrubs.

Kevin O’Dell established Kendrick & O’Dell Landscape, Inc.in 1978 following a decade of experience in the Green Industry. With over 40 years of leadership in the field, Kevin is committed to excellence in landscape design, installation and Horticultural management. He serves on a variety of boards and advisory roles including the Horticulture committee of Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and Cincinnati State Horticultural program.

A strong advocate for civic involvement, Kevin believes in the importance of contributing to the community by sharing knowledge, collaborating with peers, and continuously learning. His dedication to professional growth and community engagement has been a cornerstone of Kendrick & O’Dell’s success and reputation.

Pat  Greeson has lived in Monroe Township, Clermont County, his entire life and is an Ohio Certified Master Technician. He taught horticulture for over 10 years through Miami University’s continuing education program. Pat is the current President of Taking Root and has worked at Natorp’s Nursery for 38 years. In Natorp’s Wholesale department, he serves garden centers, landscapers, cities, and municipalities throughout the Great Lakes Region, providing plants and horticultural expertise.

The growth and evolution from the Native Tree Trail to the current Kenton County Cooperative Extension Arboretum

Bio:

Mary Ann has been active with the Northern Kentucky Urban & Community Forestry Council for several years and the Horticulture Technician for Kenton County Cooperative Extension for eight years.