Guardians of Greenspaces

Tree Maintenance for Shade in Portland

Trees create shade. Shade keeps people cool. We kick off Season 2 of Guardians of Greenspaces with the most clear way to address extreme heat – trees, which actually do much more than just provide shade. We’re excited to welcome Belinda Judelman, Planning and Policy Analyst for Portland Parks and Recreation, and Joel Smith, Tree Inspector with the city of Portland, to share their perspectives on maintenance strategies for a healthy and cool tree canopy. Transcripts for all episodes can be found at nrpa.org/guardiansofgreenspaces   [nrpa.org/guardiansofgreenspaces] For a limited time only, share your thoughts [https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8225151/Guardians-of-Greenspaces-Key-Question] on an episode within two weeks of the drop for a chance to win a FREE 2026 NRPA Annual Conference registration!

Natural Water Maintenance in Boise and Columbus

In this episode, water managers and park professionals share their insights on balancing recreation and water quality through maintenance of natural water areas like ponds, reservoirs and rivers. This episode features two guests from the City of Boise, ID, Daniel Roop, sustainability specialist, and Kate Harris, water quality programs manager, and two guests from the City of Columbus, OH, Lorraine Krzyzewski, watershed manager, and Tina Mohn, natural resource, conservation and asset manager. Listen in to hear strategies for supporting water health, removing resident geese, preventing harmful algal bloom and more!

Trees and Riparian Zones: Green Infrastructure in Houston

In this episode, Kelli Ondracek, natural resources manager at the City of Houston, discusses the impact of riparian restoration and tree-based green infrastructure on water conservation. Drawing from years of experience, Ondracek shares protocols, tips and principles for long-lasting green infrastructure maintenance.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Raleigh and Tucson

In this episode we’re joined by Green Stormwater Infrastructure Operations Supervisor Neal Wisenbaker in Raleigh, North Carolina, Storm to Shade Program Manager Blue Baldwin  from Tucson Water, City of Tucson, Arizona, and Deputy Director of Tucson Parks and Recreation Greg Jackson. They discuss green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) in their municipalities as well as park-based GSI maintenance issues, solutions and protocols that support long-lasting sustainable projects. Listen in to hear more about how good cross departmental collaboration can be a solution to green stormwater infrastructure maintenance challenges!

Sustainable Turf in Sioux Center

In this episode, Lee Van Meeteren, Parks Director for theCity of Sioux Center and the Head Groundskeeper for the City of Sioux Center, discusses turf management for water conservation, showcasing how turf safety and resource conservation go hand in hand in Sioux Center, Iowa. Listen in to hear the strategies one agency is using to save water and maintain athletic fields—including implementing maintenance staff feedback and ideas.