6 COLLEGE OF FORESTRY OPENING DOORS TO URBAN FORESTRY: New extension specialists deliver expertise to Oregon cities SARAH LOW Growing up as a city kid in Washington, D.C., Low was always comfortable working in natural spaces and urban places. After earning her master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, she has focused her career on addressing challenges in urban forestry and urban ecology from coast to coast. Urban forests — the trees that line our streets and shade our parks — are more than just pretty backdrops. They are vital infrastructure that supports healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities. Now, for the first time, Oregon State University’s Forestry and Natural Resources Extension program has added dedicated urban forestry Extension specialists to help communities across the state. The two new roles were created to reflect both the urgency and opportunity in urban forestry today — and to provide professional and continuing education for urban foresters, train the next generation, and also provide landowners, municipalities and community organizations with critical knowledge in the face of new threats to urban canopies. Jennifer Killian and Sarah Low, associate professors of practice, stepped into their roles in spring 2025, which will equally blend academic teaching and community-focused outreach. “These roles are an important evolution in our program offerings,” said Holly Ober, associate dean for science outreach and program leader for the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension program. “We’re seeing increased demand for support in urban and urbanizing areas, where trees are critical to quality of life. Jennifer and Sarah bring experience and passion to help communities build strong, sustainable urban forests.” Urban forestry is about more than just preserving trees — it’s about planning, managing and making informed decisions that support the landscapes and green infrastructure that make cities livable. Urban trees improve air quality, help manage stormwater, cool neighborhoods, provide wildlife habitat and more. With increasing pressures from development, climate change and invasive pests, communities need timely guidance. That’s where Killian and Low come in — providing resources, workshops and on-the-ground support as OSU’s first-ever urban forestry specialists.
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