Eric North
Assistant Professor
Courses Taught: Arboriculture, Urban Forestry Management, Problem Solving and Planning in Natural Resources
Specialization: Urban tree biometrics, Education, Urban & Community Forestry
Email: [email protected]
Eric's Research and Interests: Communicating science to improve natural resources in urban areas and for working with people and trees to enhance the built landscape. Through research in urban tree biometrics, tree rings, storm and construction damage, and volunteer engagement, and community engagement. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Urban Forestry & Urban Greening; Journal of Forestry; and Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and Extension publications.
Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist ®, Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector
Ryan Murphy
Researcher 5
Specialization: Nursery management, plant propagation, and Urban & Community Forestry
Email: [email protected]
Ryan’s Research and Interests: I help to manage the MN Tree Inspector Program, a collaboration with the MN Department of Natural Resources. I also assist with research focusing on improving clonal propagation in elm as part of the U of M Elm Selection Program. A third aspect of my research is focusing on the utilization of urban grown ginkgo seeds for food and medicine. Our hope for the ginkgo project is to create a mechanism for harvesting and selling urban grown ginkgo seeds to alleviate concerns over the malodorous seeds, which often result in requests for these quality urban trees to be removed.
Ashley Reichard
Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Specialization: Volunteer programming, Urban & Community Forestry
Email: [email protected]
Ashley's research and interests: I support individual volunteers as they pursue education regarding trees and their care, as well as working closely with municipalities to set up community-based volunteer programs to educate the public and create a volunteer base to assist with tree care tasks. My past research involved understanding indicators that determine environmental stewardship volunteer retention.
Certification: Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector
Monica Randazzo
Researcher & Graduate Student
Specialization: Youth education, Urban & Community Forestry
Email: [email protected]
Monica's Research and Interests: Monica researches the intersection of environmental education and social movements. She directs the Youth Engagement in Arboriculture program, as well as provides instruction for volunteer outreach programs.
Nick Neylon
Researcher 2 & Graduate Student
Specialization: Arboriculture and Urban & Community Forestry
Email: [email protected]
Nick’s Research and Interests: Nick is a climbing arborist focused on bringing beneficial greenspaces to cities. He teaches tree care, tree planting, and tree climbing with the UFOR Nursery, and collaborates with lab partners on research projects. His interests center around ecological restoration, habitat creation, and native plantings.
Molly Codding
Researcher 5
Specialization: Urban and Community Forestry, Environmental Health
Email: [email protected]
Molly’s Research and Interests: I manage a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative project, which assists communities to increase urban canopy using gravel beds and improve water quality. My past research in community-oriented practice revolved around environmental health, including: food systems, cooperative governance, health impact review and assessment, program evaluation, and state legislative policy. I am passionate about the intersections of environmental stewardship and public health and want to support communities in their pursuit of environmental justice, and climate resilience.
Certifications: Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector, Minnesota Tree Care Advocate
Gary Johnson
Extension Professor Emeritus: Urban and Community Forestry
Current Graduate Students
- Nick Neylon (see above) - Natural Resources Science and Management, MS
- Bill Sauerer - Natural Resources Science and Management, MS
