About Us
Our Story
Steven Eyster
Steven Eyster is a Florida native, originally from North Fort Myers, and now resides in the Tampa Bay Area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy from the University of South Florida in 2016. After completing his degree, he became an ISA Certified Arborist and obtained Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) in 2020. As of 2025, he has also earned the Certified Urban Forest Professional designation.
Steven has always had a deep love for conservation and nature. From a young age, he developed a passion for the outdoors through his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He continued to nurture this passion while pursuing his degree at the University of South Florida. During his time at USF, he interned at an environmentally focused charter school, where he gained experience working with children and sharing his knowledge, passing it on to the next generation. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Steven entered the municipal forestry field, where he has continued to grow and refine his skills.
Featured Instructors
Sean Murphy
Is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida where he earned a BS in Environmental Policy and Science. He has over 10 years experience working in AZA accredited zoos, where he focused on handling and caring for exotic reptiles. He currently is an operations and reptile manger at Preuss Pets.
Ian Appow
In 2019, Ian Appow established ECO System Solutions, inspired by the untapped potential of community forestry programs. Dedicated to the innovative use of forestry analytics for community betterment, Ian actively cultivates partnerships with governmental agencies, NGOs, and the wider public. Through a combined focus on nurturing strong partner relationships and harnessing advanced forestry analytics, he aids communities in reaching their sustainability milestones. At ECO, the goal is straightforward: pivot forestry programs to enhance community well-being, focusing on financial sustainability, social equity, environmental care, and personal wellness.
To learn more please visit: http://eco-systemsolutions.com/.
Michael Martini
Director of Urban and Community Forestry – U.S., Sustainable Forestry Initiative Michael Martini is a dynamic leader in urban and community forestry with a robust educational
background and extensive experience working at both state and local government levels. He earned his Master’s degree in Natural Resources from Oregon State University in 2024, alongside a Graduate Certificate in Urban Forestry in 2023. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, with a focus on Environmental Planning and Design: Urban Forestry, from Rutgers University.
Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing urban forests and supporting community initiatives. Currently, as the Director of Urban and Community Forestry at Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Michael focuses on expanding the organization’s urban forestry capacity in the U.S., with an emphasis on outreach to underserved communities and fostering partnerships. He is instrumental in promoting the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and supports the SFI Career Pathways Program.
Michael is also a dedicated educator and mentor. He is a Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) facilitator, providing training to new participants, and has been actively involved in various
professional organizations. He serves as a Trustee for the NJ ISA Chapter Board, a Board member of the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) and is on the NJ Community Forestry Council. Additionally, he co-founded LGBTree, an affiliate group of UCFS, and participates in mentorship programs to guide the next generation of urban foresters.
In his current role, Michael continues to advocate for the growth and sustainability of urban forests, leveraging his expertise to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.
Chelsi Abbott is a scientific advisor and education specialist with the Davey Institute. In her role she provides diagnostic and management support, conducts research, participates in outreach, and develops educational content and curriculum related to plant health care. She received her master’s degree in plant pathology from Purdue University, she is an ISA certified arborist, TRAQ qualified, and a certified forest therapy guide.
Casey Clapp is an arborist and dendrologist based out of Portland, Oregon. Featured on the podcast Ologies with Alie Ward, Casey is best described as an extremely enthusiastic fan of trees. After studying Forestry and Environmental Conservation all over the United States, he settled back home in the Great Pacific Northwest and immersed himself in all the natural world around him had to offer. You can find him riding a bike around town, foraging for trees in the wilderness, or sharing an ice cold ale beer with his pals.
Alex Crowson is a musical artist, podcaster, and great indoorsman based in Portland, Oregon. He acts as co-host, producer, editor, and creative director of Completely Arbortrary. Raised among the Douglas-fir rich landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Alex spent the bulk of his childhood indoors, where he discovered his love and talent for art. Alex has released two EPs, 2019’s Take This With You and 2022’s Sorry, I Missed You. In early 2021, Alex founded Completely Arbortrary with longtime friend Casey Clapp. Alongside his musical and podcast pursuits Alex also loves books, cooking, and goofin’ with friends.
