Mike is an accomplished arborist and urban forester who has dedicated his career topromoting equity and environmental justice in the communities where he works and lives. With over 20 years of experience, Oxendine has advocated for the health and longevity of urban forests and green spaces, while mitigating the impact of climate change on these valuable
resources. Central to his approach to urban forestry is the importance of planting and maintaining a diverse and resilient range of tree species, particularly those that are well-suited to future climate conditions. He has spearheaded the development and implementation of urban forest plans that prioritize the use of climate-resilient species and has worked with communities and organizations to plant and care for these trees.

Mike's work is grounded in his unwavering commitment to environmental justice, and he believes that all people should have equitable access to the benefits of trees, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income level. He focuses on bridging the gap in access to green space and the associated benefits faced by historically marginalized communities. As President of Oregon Community Trees, Oxendine has been a leading voice in promoting the importance of trees in creating healthy and livable communities throughout the state.

In his role as Executive Director, Mike has continued his efforts to promote the health and vitality of urban forests and green spaces. OURCF has developed and implemented innovative programs that emphasize community engagement and empowerment, workforce development, and environmental justice. Mike recognizes that creating sustainable and resilient urban forests requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration between stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies. He has worked to build partnerships with a range of organizations and community groups, including schools, non-profits, and local governments, to develop programs that address the unique needs and challenges of each community.

Through his work with OURCF, he has helped to develop and implement programs that provide job training and employment opportunities to underrepresented communities in the urban forestry sector. He has also worked to promote the use of green infrastructure and other innovative approaches to address urban heat island effects and other environmental challenges facing cities and towns across Oregon. Mike's leadership and expertise have made him a respected and influential voice in the field of urban forestry and environmental justice. His dedication to promoting equity and community empowerment through urban forestry continues to inspire and motivate others to join the movement for a more sustainable and just future.

Alex is an outdoor enthusiast and lover of plants and trees. She migrated to the Rogue Valley in 2014 where she spent a summer on a backcountry trail crew in some of the most remote Wilderness Areas in southern Oregon. In that summer, her passion and dedication to the outdoors was sparked. Since then, she has led trail crews, backpacked 500 miles solo across the Colorado Rockies, worked with local nonprofits in public land stewardship, and enrolled at Southern Oregon University in pursuit of a BS in Biology.

In 2019, Alex was introduced to the world of arboriculture and knew she had found her calling. She began professionally climbing trees for residential tree care companies and fell in love with tree health and stewardship. She is committed to sharing her love for trees with her community and other young adults and believes strongly in the power of a healthy green space in both urban and rural environments. She is an aspiring certified arborist and has an affinity for the unique biodiversity of southern Oregon.

Alex grew up in San Diego to a single mother in a low income household. Access to opportunities and financial support were rarely available and Alex learned at a young age how to go after her ambitions. Her drive and perseverance has led her to where she is today. She currently lives in Grants Pass with her partner, Lucas, who shares guardianship of her teenage sister, Kalani. The three spend most of their time outdoors, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, backpacking, and mountaineering. You can likely find Alex up in the trees or out on the trail.

Megan grew up in the Rogue Valley, where her love for the outdoors began at an early age. Surrounded by Oregon’s natural beauty, she spent much of her adolescence reeling in Fall and Spring Chinook as well as rockfish on the Oregon Coast and tracking deer and antelope in Eastern Oregon, continuing her family’s long-standing tradition of hunting and fishing in our region. Beyond her time on the water and in the field, Megan finds joy in exploring the rugged wilderness through hiking and backpacking with her dog, Remi. Her passions shift with the seasons—summer is filled with activities like pickleball, paddleboarding, and wake surfing, while winter brings a focus on school and baking sourdough.

During the COVID pandemic, Megan left the Rogue Valley for Klamath Falls to explore careers in fields like healthcare and as a personal service worker for children with learning disabilities. After three-years spent working in various positions, she realized her desire to make a broader impact on environmental issues. This led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Southern Oregon University’s Honors College, where she is also earning certifications in Geospatial Technologies and Environmental Communication. Megan’s commitment to enhancing the ecological health and climate resilience of the Rogue Valley is evident through her work, including a season spent clearing backwoods trails in the Siskiyou Mountains and her role as the Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator at Southern Oregon University.

As a young woman in the angler community and environmental fields—industries historically dominated by men—Megan has faced challenges of exclusion and preconceived notions about her abilities. She has often felt the need to prove herself in roles requiring rigorous outdoor work. These experiences, while difficult, have fueled her determination to break barriers and advocate for inclusivity in both communities. By embracing her resilience and passion, Megan continues to inspire others to follow their path, regardless of obstacles, while working toward a healthier, more connected world.

Nathan grew up in San Diego, where the rhythm of the ocean and its vibrant ecosystems shaped his early love for nature. The rocky tide pools of Southern California became his sanctuary—a mosaic of corals, anemones, and sea stars thriving in the ever-changing intertidal zone. Like a living tapestry, these pools revealed life’s resilience and interdependence, igniting Nathan's passion for conservation and a deep respect for biodiversity.

In 2022, Nathan channeled this passion into his work at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, where he contributed to vital conservation efforts. Immersed in the park’s mission to protect endangered species, Nathan collaborated with experts dedicated to preserving the delicate balance between flora and fauna. Their mentorship inspired him to focus his path on the vital role of plants in sustaining life.

In 2023, Nathan brought his conservation journey to Southern Oregon University, pursuing a BS in Environmental Science and Policy. Surrounded by the breathtaking biodiversity of the Rogue Valley, he discovered a new passion: trees. To Nathan, the mosses and lichens draping Pacific Northwest forests mirrored the corals and algae of the intertidal zones he once explored—both essential anchors for their ecosystems. Just as tide pools sustain life along the southern coast, the towering trees of the Rogue Valley nurture the landscapes and communities of the Pacific Northwest.

Now dedicated to conserving and expanding the Rogue Valley’s urban canopy, Nathan continues to draw from his unique journey—from the tide pools of San Diego to the forests of Southern Oregon. His experiences inspire him to protect and celebrate the interconnected beauty of our planet’s ecosystems, one tree at a time.

Quilaztli was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and later moved to Ashland to attend SOU as a transfer student, where she joined the women’s wrestling team.

She is currently completing her B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing.

Quilaztli has previous experience as a wildland firefighter with the Oregon Department of Forestry for one season and has now joined OURCF as the next step in her mission to make a positive impact.