Pete Zubek is the Forestry Field Supervisor at Openlands, managing the daily on-the-ground operations of the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship Program. His interest in urban forestry began in 2020 as an Openlands Forestry trainee, where he gained experience in the fundamentals of community tree planting and tree preservation.
He later joined a park district, where he played a key role in restoring canopy lost to the emerald ash borer. He introduced industry standards for tree operations, updated a decade-old tree inventory to support better decision-making, increased annual tree plantings, and expanded the plant health care program with a more proactive approach. Through these efforts, he helped create a healthier, more resilient urban forest for the community.
In addition to his field experience, Pete completed an internship at the Shedd Aquarium, where he deepened his understanding of plant ecology and the vital role of plant communities. In his free time, he enjoys pruning trees, propagating plants, and identifying and tracking insects that visit his native gardens.
ISA Certified Arborist
IL10051A
Contact Information
Email: pzubek@openlands.org
