Chesterfield's Urban Forester Is Branching Out

This week, Patch introduces you to Mindy Mohrman, city arborist and urban forester for the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation department.

You might wonder what a city arborist and urban forester does. It's all about trees. Trees in parks, right-of-way areas and public grounds. Trees that seem to grow out of sidewalks or embellish roadway medians and recreational areas. Any tree that grows on city property is Mindy Mohrman's responsibility. It's a tall order.

Mohrman grew up in Algonquin, IL. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where she majored in natural resource management and studied urban forestry. Then, she worked for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the Missouri State Park system at Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

In 2004, Mohrman relocated to Chesterfield and went to work for the city. The Parks and Recreation department currently oversees more than 380 acres of park and public lands, which includes six parks. Mohrman's duties can take her into quiet woodlands or to the busiest area of town.

“I don't really have typical days,” Mohrman said. “I'm involved in small ways in all types of projects—street tree inspections, on-site inspections, making sure things look good. That's probably the best part of my job. I'm not stuck in an office all day.”

Mohrman recently finished a street tree inventory which details the trees' species, size, conditions and needs. Identifying the trees helps ensure the future health of the urban landscape. 

“We found a handful of species—three or four—that are majorly overpopulated,” Mohrman said. “A pest that only attacks one type of tree can cause serious damage, so we can cut back on that species and plant others for diversity."

A case in point is the emergence of the emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan in the summer of 2002. Since that time, the beetle has been found in Windsor, Ontario and 14 states. It first surfaced in Missouri in 2008. The pest has killed tens of millions of ash trees and caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. So far Chesterfield is safe. One of Mohrman's duties is to prepare for the beetle's potential arrival in Chesterfield.

“There's a big push going on right now with what to do if you get it,” Mohrman said.

For now though, Mohrman is keeping busy with various projects, including repopulating old farmland and getting it back to more native species. Mohrman said she's excited to see the land return to oak and hickory forests.

She's also working on renovations to Central Park, which include an amphitheater, stream walks, several waterfall features and a lake fountain. All of those features will be landscaped before the amphitheater's grand opening on May 21.

Mohrman's work is never complete. The snowfall this winter was actually good for the trees, since they get watered over an extended period of time as the snow melts, she said. But, the ice storm in 2007 caused a lot of lingering damage.

“The ice storm caused a lot of damage,” Mohrman said. “We're still working with those damaged trees. People think you just clear away the fallen branches, but it's much more involved than that.”

Each notable neighbor is asked a series of unrelated questions to offer us some insight into what makes them who they are.

What's your favorite movie of all time? Indiana Jones, the series. The new one excepted.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what single thing would you most want with you? My family—my dogs and my husband.

What time did you get up this morning? 7 a.m.

If you could have a conversation with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be? Bob Dylan

What did you have for breakfast this morning? I don't eat breakfast. I had coffee. Black.

Who was your role model for life? I've already answered that. Bob Dylan? No! Indiana Jones!

What is your favorite kitchen utensil, tool, or machine? The cast iron skillet. My husband's grandmother had a place in the Ozarks that burned down. The only thing left was that iron skillet. It's a Griswold.