In cities across the country, trees are inequitably distributed, usually concentrated in the neighborhoods with the highest socioeconomic opportunities. Tacoma is no exception. Here, lack of access to trees and green spaces is the result of racist redlining policies and decades of disinvestment in low income neighborhoods. It is also the result, though, of everyday actions that unknowingly disregard our neighbors' difficult experiences with trees and urban forestry programs, actions that keep us from organizing around a shared vision of an environmentally equitable future. Changing these dynamics requires all of us working together: arborists, city residents, governments, community-based organizations, and volunteers.
But what does this work look like? And where do we even begin?
The Tacoma Tree Foundation is excited to host Dr. Christine Carmichael, author of the nationally acclaimed book, Racist Roots. In an interactive webinar led by Dr. Carmichael, we will learn about the racist history of urban forestry in the U.S.A., understand how these dynamics are under renewed pressure due to climate change, and consider actions we can take at the individual and organizational levels today to reduce barriers to trees and grow an urban forest that serves us all.
Live webinar participants will have the opportunity to work in groups (alternative activities will be available for those who prefer to work on their own).
Dr. Christine Carmichael
Dr. Christine Carmichael holds a Ph.D. in Forestry with a Specialization in Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change and a Graduate Certificate in Community Engagement from Michigan State University. Dr. Carmichael has published high-impact research and consulted with numerous non-profit environmental groups and government agencies on ways to enhance multicultural partnerships, particularly in urban forestry, parks, and greenspace management. Dr. Carmichael is also a skilled facilitator with expertise in strategic planning and ensuring productive dialogue among diverse groups who have a stake in environmental programs.
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This webinar will only be on zoom. It is interactive and involves working in groups. However, alternative activities will be available for those who prefer to work on their own.
This event is funded by Tacoma Creates and is free and open to the public.