Thursday, April 3, Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful presented the eighth annual Tree School, an event wherein “Tree Experts” from around the nation share, in a seminar free to the public, their expertise with community members at Jefferson Parish Eastbank Regional Library. Pat and Henry Shane of Kenner graciously opened their home for a cocktail reception in honor of Tree School guests the preceding day.
Panelists, including James Randolph Urban, president of Urban & Associates, Don Zimar, president of Zimar & Associates, Carl E. Whitcomb, president of Lacebark Inc., and Neil Odenwald, landscape architecture professor emeritus, Tom Cample, urban forester for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry and Tulane University professor John Klingman, contributed their knowledge to the workshop on care and preservation of trees in urban areas.
Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful President Jackie Madden spoke first and welcomed guests, followed by John Young, Jefferson Parish Councilman and Oldenwald, also the day’s master of ceremonies.
The panelists took the stage next, addressing issues such as avoiding damaging trees, techniques for reviving damaged trees and soil problems for urban trees.
Carey Hammet served as chairman of education for the event, which was funded by the Brown Foundation, the Lupin Foundation and the Azby Fund.
Chairman of education Carie Hammett, hosts Henry and Pat Shane and Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain
Panelist Don Zimar, Cherreen Gegenheimer and James Urban
President Jackie Madden and panelist and master of ceremonies Neil Odenwald
Eric and Debbie Skrmetta and Director Jean Fahr
