IMG_9330Meeting the men and women who are restoring the American chestnut, exploring the Alvar plant community on the new green roof, connecting with the Onondaga Earth Corps … there were so many highlights for the 185 attendees of the 2015 ReLeaf Conference at SUNY ESF. A special shout-out to the Region 7 folks who worked hard to put on the best program and presenters:

Kristina Ferrare, Steve Harris
Fran Lawlor, Jessi Lyons
Chris Manchester, Doug Morrison
Greg Owens, Brian “the Brain” Skinner, Pat Tobin, and Kate Woodle

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Mealtime conversations were the best! SUNY ESF graduate student Leanna Kirschen (left) works with Syracuse City Forester Steve Harris, and Tony Suave (right) works with the Onondaga Earth Corps.

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Exploring the Gateway Center green roof with beloved ESF Professor Dr. Don Leopold.

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And later, Dr. Leopold took us on a tour of trees of campus and the magnificent Oakville Cemetery.

Andy Hillman, who served for four years as NYSUFC president, passed the torch to David Moore. Andy, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude. David gave a moving and motivating acceptance speech.

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NYSUFC Executive Secretary Liana Gooding with her husband, DEC Forester and SUNY ESF alum Mark Gooding. 

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What a profound pleasure it was to meet up, learn, and dine together in SUNY ESF’s LEED Platinum Certified Gateway Center, one of the nation’s top 10 green buildings.

to be continued …