Urban Wood Rescue Program - Jennifer Szeliga and Jonathan Gibbs

Today on our podcast we speak with two people from a nonprofit organization that facilitates the stewardship of urban trees in a large city, including a program that facilitates the use of the wood from trees that have to be removed from around the city because of disease, end-of-it’s lifecycle or proximity to structures, etc.

Jennifer Szeliga and Jonathan Gibbs from the Sacramento Tree Foundation work for the Urban Wood Rescue program in Sacramento, CA.  Sacramento Tree Foundation works on educating Sacramentans on how to plant and care for trees and tell the story of how trees make our communities livable and lovable.

Jennifer is the Director of Urban Wood Rescue program and has worked there for 5 years and while helping to write a new chapter in the story of urban trees to make sure they continue benefitting the community even after they’re removed.

Jonathan Gibbs, a native Sacramentan is an Urban Wood Technician working directly for the Urban Wood Rescue program as well. He oversees yard handling of intakes, inventory, milling, drying wood, and essential support for numerous aspects of the operation.  When he’s not working with the Urban Wood Rescue program, he and his wife enjoy the local food scene, music, renovating their new house, fixing cars and going to car events.

This nonprofit is an awesome resource for Sacramento and excellent example of what other cities might want to consider as well.