Melissa Custic manages operations for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI)—a collaboration of regional partners working together to improve the health, diversity, and equity of trees in the seven-county Chicago region. Melissa works closely with colleagues of partner institutions to increase canopy cover, reduce the impacts of invasive species, and increase the preservation of oak ecosystems in the Chicago region. She has developed several resources and training programs aimed at improving tree selection, planting, and care, as well as targeting invasive woody removal and replacement. She serves as Vice President on the Illinois Invasive Species Council and as lead on the Chicago Wilderness Urban Tree Canopy Sub-Committee. Her professional interests include urban forestry, urban ecology, environmental justice, invasive species, climate change, and soil ecology. _________________________________________________________________________ Patreon: http://patreon.com/TheMunicipalArborist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_municipal_arborist/ Questions or comments? [email protected] Learn more about PlanIT Geo’s tree canopy data subscriptions Check out PlanIT Geo’s urban forest resource library Arbsession Winkler Tree & Lawn Care