Sheila Flint, ISA Certified Arborist
Forestry Specialist – Northern Alberta, Tree Canada
Working in Urban Forestry for over 35 years
1. How has the urban forestry field changed since you first entered the profession?
When I achieved my International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification in the early 1980’s, I was one of only six other women in Alberta to have this certification! The industry of urban forestry has changed beyond all recognition since then. I was the president of the ISA Prairie Chapter for over 12 years and the quality and education of arborists in the field is truly amazing. It is a respected field with well-educated and dedicated men and women who care for our most valuable possession – the trees.
2. What are your proudest accomplishments?
My proudest accomplishment is being awarded the Spirit of Arbor Day Award from the Arbor Day Foundation in 2010. I was given this prestigious award for establishing an Arbor Day program in Strathcona County. Through this program, the Government of Alberta would give seedlings to grade one students to take home on Arbor Day. However, there was no program that would celebrate this important gift until we established one! We ran a one-day program which saw over 1,200 grade one students attend an outdoor event with tree planting activities and all-day entertainment. Every school in the district was then offered a new tree for their school to commemorate this day.
3. Share a story of someone that has inspired or supported you in your career.
One of the most influential people in my career would be Dr. Peter Murphy. Dr. Murphy introduced me to Tree Canada many years ago. We spent years together distributing seedlings across the province, with trees provided through Tree Canada and Alberta Naturalization Network. Together, we distributed over 75,000 seedlings to communities throughout Alberta. Sadly, Peter has passed away but the encouragement and knowledge he bestowed on me has stuck with me to this day. His passion for forestry and all things green will forever stay with me.
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