How a random conversation led to innovative research: Perspectives from a scientist and an urban-forestry practitioner
| Authors: | Geoffrey Donovan, Jeffrey P. Prestemon, Yashar Vasef, Abigail Kaminski |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Type: | Magazines or Trade Publications |
| Station: | Pacific Northwest Research Station |
| Source: | Arborist News. October 2023: 39-43. 5 p. |
Abstract
Urban-forestry research can seem far removed from the on-the-ground realities of planting and maintaining urban trees. How can obtuse articles published in obscure journals help get more trees in the ground? Some scientists think that the opposite is also true: urban-forestry practitioners have little to contribute to new research. We believe that both views are short sighted and fail to see opportunities for mutually-beneficial collaboration between urban-forestry practice and research. The purpose of this article is to showcase an example of a successful collaboration between researchers and practitioners. We hope that sharing this story will encourage other scientists and practitioners to look up, for a moment, from their narrow day-to-day concerns and find ways to work together.