As an Extension Specialist in Forestry, Justin works to enhance forest management practices statewide. With expertise in dendrology, ecological restoration, and arboriculture he serves as a resource for the state to address management and tree-related issues. He also conducts skill-based training and develops educational programs for urban and agroforestry, and he coordinates programs, including the Illinois Big Tree Register. He strives to expand opportunities for people to engage in tree-related activities in any setting, including the urban forest.  

Justin has an M.S. and B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist and holds an additional certification from the Society for Ecological Restoration. He has previously worked for the U.S. Forest Service and the National Ecological Observatory Network conducting forest inventory and ecological monitoring. He also has experience working with stakeholders as an ecological and forestry consultant.