Who are the People in your Neighborhood?
Get to know your friendly Denver forester
The folks on Sesame Street used to sing a song asking if we knew who the people in our neighborhood were. The idea was to teach the viewers about the different ways people could show up for their neighborhood, to help make it a better place for all who live there.
Which got us thinking: Denver is our shared neighborhood. Do you know the people in your neighborhood? While we can’t introduce you to everyone, we can introduce you to the people in your neighborhood who take care of the city’s urban canopy.
Denver Forestry actively maintains the trees in Denver parks, parkways and public office buildings, and monitors the trees within the public rights-of-way, as they are Denver assets. Its mission is to protect, preserve and renew Denver’s urban forest.
Denver’s Urban Foresters stay busy with planning, researching and working with partners, advocating for trees, planting new trees, providing expert advice on tree care and, in general, getting the work done that keeps trees growing in our neighborhoods. Not only do they have the education and experience for the job, they also have a shared passion for the trees.
Let’s get to know a little bit about them, and why they choose to work in the trees:
LUKE KILLORAN
Luke is a passionate environmental advocate, and lifelong tree enthusiast dedicated to protecting and expanding our natural landscapes. His interest in forestry developed as a kid climbing trees and then even further in college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Colorado State University (Go Rams!). Now, he’s thrilled to bring his expertise to Denver’s Forestry Department, where he’ll help grow and strengthen both the city’s urban canopy and protect its mountain forests. Whether he’s planting trees, leading outreach programs, or shaping policy, Luke is committed to making Denver greener, healthier, and more resilient for generations to come.
LAUREN ABRAM
Lauren is a Forestry Program Coordinator, which means she helps manage and run the various tree planting and removal programs at the office of the City Forester.
Lauren studied environmental science in college, focusing on human-environment interactions and shares that urban forestry is a true interface of that. Lauren holds a Master of Science ecosystem sustainability, having studied the role trees play in energy savings.
“I love sycamores because of their unique bark – so even when they are without leaves in the winter, they are still visually impactful.”
In her free time, Lauren can be found in the ceramics studio, creating wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics, as well as drawing, painting or otherwise creating.
ELIZABETH JUDD
Elizabeth’s role is unique – she provides overarching support for everything already happening in the department. She works with the public as well as other departments to identify how to use resources better, what changes to make and what programs could reach more people. She is built for this job!
As a child, Elizabeth spent all her time outside. When she learned that landscape architecture was actually a degree, she was elated, and has been on this path ever since.
Elizabeth says her favorite tree, the Kentucky Coffee Tree, “remind me of my favorite tree that can’t grow in Denver – the adaptable and (changing) Katsura.”
Elizabeth has worked on all sides of trees – from homes to national parks and now the city. The goal is always the same: We need more trees!
JIM MYER
Jim is the Forestry Manager, which means he helps guide teams that are responsible for tree planting, health, public safety and development plan review.
He’s had a long career in arboriculture and has always been an outdoors person, concerned with the treatment of our natural environment.
When sharing about his favorite tree, the Japanese Pagoda, Jim said, “so many things about this tree–unique habit, bark, flowers, fruit, all season interest, great history and lore and use as a medicinal herb.”
When he’s not at work, you can find him running, biking, camping and hiking.
HANNAH ROMANO
Hannah is a Forestry Program Coordinator, which means she helps the local community by directly improving and impacting the urban forests of our City and County. She found her passion for trees in college and assisted with research of Sudden Oak Death in Northern California. Since then, she has established an urban tree planting program in San Luis Obispo, completed botanical field surveys, and taught students about environmental education.
In her spare time, she enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and crafting.
DOUG SCHOCH
Doug is Denver’s Forestry Supervisor. That means he oversees the programs team and assists in the implementation and coordination of the Be A Smart Ash, Ash Removal and Replacement and Forestry Neighborhood Initiative programs.
Doug realized he was a “tree guy” when he was studying landscape horticulture at CSU. He naturally began to develop a deeper interest in trees.
“The diversity of tree species and their resiliency is fascinating.”
When he’s not rooted in tree work, Doug’s an avid road cyclist and birder.
Have a question for your city foresters? Email forestry@denvergov.org or call Denver’s Office of the City Forester at 720-913-0651.