Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Description: This session offers a practical introduction to i-Tree, a collaboration between the USDA Forest Service and The Davey Tree Expert Company (along with several partner organizations) providing a suite of free software tools for quantifying the benefits and value of trees. Attendees will get a guided tour of key i-Tree applications, including a look at the newly rewritten i-Tree Design tool and newly available data, with demos illustrating how these tools translate tree inventory information into actionable insights: from canopy cover and stormwater interception to carbon sequestration and dollar-value benefits. Ideal for arborists, urban foresters, and municipal staff looking to bring data-driven arguments to tree management and planning decisions.
Presenter: Bianca Ploss is a software developer at the Davey Institute, where she creates user-friendly applications for i-Tree. With a unique background that includes a bachelor's degree in metalsmithing from the University of Akron and extensive experience in manufacturing, Bianca brings creative problem-solving and a fresh perspective to her work. She values leadership, initiative, and effective communication as key drivers of team success and project excellence. An advocate for learning and growth, Bianca has attended conferences in software development and urban forestry, expanding her knowledge at the intersection of technology and environmental science. She is also committed to fostering inclusivity in the workplace, drawing from her experiences in male-dominated industries to empower underrepresented groups and promote equity.