Do you have a favorite tree? Whether you do or not, almost all of us have enjoyed the shade of a tree or eaten fruit or nuts that came from a tree. Trees provide us with numerous “services” while just standing there, looking stately, for the most part.
The Arbor Day Foundation is all about trees and the pretty amazing things they do. The foundation is also a great resource for anyone who’s trying to decide what kind of tree to plant.
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Katie Loos is proud to serve as President of the Arbor Day Foundation, an international tree planting non-profit, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. A ten-year veteran of the organization, she has played a critical role of leadership during a period of rapid growth. Katie is responsible for the overall strategy of the nonprofit including the operations, structure, and systems to continue to advance the mission. Katie’s other two favorite roles in life are that of wife and mother. You can often find them on family bike rides, or playing with their dogs at the park.
Ben Heusinkvelt is the Grounds and Orchard Manager at Arbor Day Farm. He oversees the landscaping and land management of the 260 acre property. This includes native tree arboretums, planted forest plots, riparian woodlands as well as grasslands and wildflower prairies. He is also responsible for the care and production of Arbor Day Farm’s 20 acre apple orchard and of the fresh cider production.
Ben is originally from Columbus, Nebraska and has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He has been practicing tree fruit and land management for the past 10 years in both Nebraska and New York. He is a certified arborist with the Nebraska Arborists Association.