Jeff Dice

TreeActions

Summary

Jeff Dice shares his journey in the tree industry, which began with a family tragedy that led him to work in his father's tree business at a young age. He recounts his experiences with the Vermeer Model 10 stump machine and the support his family received from the local tree community. Jeff also discusses his involvement with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and his career at Penn State, where he focused on tree preservation and the integration of different departments. He emphasizes the importance of trees in creating a positive environment and attracting students to the university. This conversation explores the impact and historical significance of trees on the Penn State campus. The majestic elm trees, planted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were a symbol of the university's history and beauty. However, the campus faced the devastation of Dutch elm disease, resulting in the loss of many trees. The conversation highlights the efforts to preserve and restore the area, including the creation of an endowment through the sale of salvaged wood. The discussion also delves into the reverence and respect people have for old trees and the importance of fostering a connection with nature.

Takeaways

• Family tragedies can shape one's career path and lead to unexpected opportunities.
• The support and camaraderie within the tree industry can be a powerful force in overcoming challenges.
• Volunteering and involvement in professional organizations can provide valuable networking opportunities and personal growth.
• Trees play a crucial role in creating a positive environment and attracting people to educational institutions. The historical significance of trees on campus can create a sense of beauty and pride.
• Preserving and restoring old trees requires careful planning and community involvement.
• The loss of trees due to disease or construction can have a profound impact on the community.
• Respecting and caring for trees is a responsibility that arborists and tree enthusiasts should embrace.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:00
Family Tragedy and Entry into the Tree Industry

06:30
Early Work in the Tree Industry

09:45
The Vermeer Model 10 Stump Machine

12:23
Involvement with ISA and Volunteering

15:18
Career at Penn State

18:01
Involvement with ITCC

22:40
Impact of Trees on Personal and Professional Life

24:35
Transition into the Human Forest

26:33
Memories of Climbing at Penn State

30:21
Integration of Different Departments in Tree Preservation

35:26
Value of Trees at Penn State

46:20
The Impact of Trees on Campus

47:11
The Historical Significance of the Elms at Penn State

47:31
The Landscape Plan for Penn State

48:28
The Majestic Elm Trees

49:26
The Devastation of Dutch Elm Disease

50:25
Preserving the Legacy Trees

51:18
The Crane School and Tree Removal

52:06
Restoring the Area After the Tree Loss

53:07
The Legacy of the Elm Trees

55:29
The Endowment and Legacy of the Trees

56:57
The Reverence for Old Trees

58:15
The Spiritual and Sentimental Connection to Trees

59:12
The Connection to Trees from the Canopy

01:01:23
The Respect for Old Living Things

01:02:23
The Jealousy of Longevity

01:03:41
The Longevity of Lobsters and Trees

01:04:37
The Sentimental Quality of Old Trees

01:05:21
The Respect for Old Trees

01:06:07
Respecting the Trees and Each Other

01:07:06
Preserving Trees During Construction

01:08:13
The Special Place Created by Trees

01:08:27
The Respect and Connection to Trees

01:09:49
The Importance of Respect in Tree Care

01:10:16
Named Trees on Campus

01:11:22
The Significance of Named Trees

01:12:18
The Honor of Working with Trees

01:13:35
The Playbook for Developing Respect for Trees

01:14:18
The Perfect Crew and the Importance of Respect

01:15:51
The Impact of the ITCC

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