About Us
Our Story
Steven Eyster
Steven Eyster is a Florida Native originally from North Fort Myers, Florida 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 the completion of his degree, he went on to become an ISA certified arborist as well as Tree Risk Assessment Qualified in 2020.
Steven has always had a love for conservation and nature. At a young age he found a passion for the outdoors through being in the Boy Scouts of America, where he became an eagle scout. He continued to nurture this passion when he obtained his degree from the University of South Florida. While he attended USF, he interned at an environmentally focused charter school where he learned to work with kids and share his knowledge passing it on to the next generation. After graduating with his bachelors, he went into the municipal forestry field where he continued to work and hone 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.
Denise “Michelle” Cole
Urban State University
Academic Administrator III
