Instructors

The Ohio Urban Forestry Program’s unique direct assistance to communities continues with Tree Commission Academy. Get to know your Regional Urban Forester as well as Tree Commissioners from neighboring communities.

Lisa Bowers, Urban Forester, CA
Region 1
Urban Forester since 2000
BS, Horticulture, Ohio State University, 1983
ISA Certified Arborist
Lisa has extensive knowledge and experience working with ordinances and land use and development issues. Lisa has a strong desire to promote, advocate, and educate the public and private sectors in the proper practices of Arboriculture.

Ann Bonner, Urban Forester, CA
Region 2
Urban Forester since 1995
BS Environmental Science, Ohio State University, 1992
ISA Certified Arborist
Ann is a specialist on environmental protections issues and has extensive experience meeting the unique challenges of tree commissions in the Appalachian foothill of southeast Ohio.

Alan R. Siewert, Urban Forester, BCMA
Region 3
Urban Forester since 1990
BS Urban Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1984
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Municipal Specialist, Certified Tree Worker
Alan possesses a strong background in arboriculture and tree care as well as brings a unique perspective to managing urban forest systems. He is an internationally known speaker and writer and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

Stephanie Miller, Urban Forester, CA
Region 4
Urban Forester since 1998
BS Forestry/Urban Specialty, Purdue University, 1992
ISA Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist
Stephanie has broad background in Utility arboriculture and urban forest planning. She enjoys assisting communities and especially values the trusted relationships between the Ohio Division of Forestry and the towns and village of this great state.

Wendi Van Buren, Urban Forester, CA
Region 5
Urban Forester since 2003
BS, Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, 1995
ISA Certified Arborist
Wendi’s has extensive experience in urban forestry marketing and volunteer coordination and management. Her background ranges from small villages to some of America’s largest cities.

Lola Lewis, Urban Forester
Region 6
Urban Forester since 1994
BS, Agriculture Science/Forest Science, Penn State University, 1994
ISA Certified Arborist
Lola has extensive experience in developing and managing committees and not-for-profit organizations. She is especially skilled in facilitating, negotiating, unifying, and finding common ground among a variety of urban forest stakeholders.