Lewis Appointed to Alabama Urban Forestry Association Board

Auburn, Nov. 14, 2003— Gwen Lewis, an urban Extension agent specializing in urban forestry and environmental education, was recently elected to serve on the Alabama Urban Forestry Association’s Board of Directors.  Her election was announced at the annual meeting in Prattville Nov. 5.

Lewis has been involved in numerous urban forestry-related projects. 

In October, for example, the Montgomery County Extension Office, the Montgomery Tree Committee and AUFA hosted an Urban Forestry Tour and Workshop at Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. More than 50 participants took a trolley tour of Montgomery county and state champion trees. They also were instructed in the proper care and pruning of crapemyrtles.

Tips for growing plants successfully in Black Belt or Prairie soils was one of the most popular workshops. Without the financial and logistical support of the AUFA, Lewis said, this event would not have been possible.

Established in 1989, the Alabama Urban Forestry Association promotes proper tree care, tree protection and other tree issues in the urban setting. As a statewide non-profit organization, AUFA has a diverse membership composed of arboricultural and horticultural professionals, landscape workers, community tree board members, tree care volunteers and interested citizens who care about trees where they live and work. The association sponsors projects designed to enhance members’ efforts to sustain and expand the urban landscape.

AUFA develops partnerships to foster better tree management and promotes professionalism by encouraging professional certification.  The association also offers licensing and continuing education and produces seminars and workshops to increase knowledge of arboriculture.  It also works with public officials and stakeholders to address issues affecting urban forestry.

As part of their effort to enhance their statewide outreach, AUFA maintains a strategic partnership with the Alabama Forestry Commission, Auburn University through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and the USDA Forest Service.

For more information about the Alabama Urban Forestry Association or how to join, visit the Web site www.aufa.com or call 1-877-548-3046.

Source: Gwen Lewis, Urban County Agent, Montgomery County 334-265-0233.

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