As a Board Certified Master Arborist, forester, landscaper and restoration specialist, Chris has had a lifelong love of the natural environment and has been professionally caring for it for most of his adult life. From the age of 5 Chris could be found joyfully walking through the forest, digging holes, and dragging brush across the backyard. He began his career planting and selectively harvesting trees on the Oregon coast, working and apprenticing as an eco forester. He then managed community forestry and riparian restoration projects for the South Coast and Lower Rogue Watershed Councils, planting tens of thousands of trees along salmon-bearing streams and managing forests for future generations. He was then introduced to tree climbing, urban forestry, and arboriculture, founding Canopy LLC in 2013.

Chris settled with his family in the Rogue Valley in 2011. He serves on the Ashland Tree Commission and is a recipient of the Oregon Dept of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Award. When not immersed in running the business, you might find Chris hiking the forest with his family, taking a habitual morning swim with the Rogue Valley Masters swim group, or perched fireside with a good book. His passion extends beyond just tree care; he is dedicated to educating the community about the importance of urban forestry and its role in combating climate change. Chris actively engages with local schools and organizations, sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Through his leadership, he aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for trees and green spaces, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the natural world.

Cat Gould serves as the Board Secretary for OUR Community Forestry (OURCF), playing a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission. Her extensive background in environmental advocacy aligns seamlessly with OURCF's goals. With a diverse skill set that includes a BFA in Acting and a Master Naturalist Certificate, Cat effectively bridges the gap between communication and environmental stewardship. Cat actively participates in local environmental groups, demonstrating her commitment to OUR Community Forestry through hands-on involvement in tree planting and land restoration projects.

Her governance experience, gained through her role on the board of the Ashland Children's Theatre and contributions to various committees like the Ashland Tree Commission and the Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee, underscores her readiness to engage in environmental policy discussions. In her capacity as a liaison to the Ashland Forest Commission and the Ashland Parks Committee, Cat excels at connecting OURCF's objectives with community efforts. This ensures that the organization's activities align harmoniously with and promote local ecological and educational goals.

Cat Gould's distinctive skill set and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to OUR Community Forestry.

Furthermore, Cat's leadership within OURCF is pivotal for driving the organization's strategic initiatives, including data-driven urban forestry planning, community planting events, and the nurturing of urban trees. Her advocacy and policy-shaping skills, combined with her strong commitment to community service, are instrumental in OURCF's mission to expand its not-for-profit model, starting with the rural communities of Southern Oregon. Cat's role ensures that OURCF remains at the forefront of uniting communities and cultivating nature, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and greener future.

Oriana Magnera serves as the Treasurer of OUR Community Forestry, bringing a wealth of experience in energy, climate, and environmental justice. She is currently the Program Manager, West Policy at the US Energy Foundation, where she oversees policy-related grantmaking and regional collaboration efforts. Oriana previously managed the Energy, Climate, and Transportation programs at Verde, advocating for community-led and participatory policy development in Oregon. Her experience also includes serving as an Outreach and Policy Advocate with the NW Energy Coalition, where she worked to expand inclusive energy processes and developed equity training for staff and leadership.

Oriana’s commitment to climate justice extends into her volunteer roles, including her service on the Oregon Global Warming Commission, Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission, and the Renewable Advisory Council for the Energy Trust of Oregon. Her leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in advancing policies that center environmental and energy justice.