Tom supports Openlands as Director of Forestry, where he mentors a team of forestry professionals and leads strategies to protect, maintain, and grow Chicago region’s trees, forest connectivity, and canopy cover.
With 15 years of experience in Urban & Community Forestry, Tom brings expertise in traditional forestry, arboriculture, nursery growing, community engagement and environmental sciences.
Before joining Openlands, he was the Community Forester at Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, where he managed their community assisted nursery in addition to leading their tree planting programs. Tom holds a BS in Urban Forestry from the University of Missouri, Columbia and an MS in Environmental Sciences from DePaul University.
Passionate about community engagement and education, Tom is known for enthusiastic public speaking and maintaining meaningful partner relationships.
Favorite Place to Get Outside- He enjoys biking, hiking and paddling our regional Green and Blue trail networks, and is actively involved in his local park advisory council’s gardening club.
ISA Certified Arborist
MW-5804A, TRAQ
Contact Information:
- Email: tebeling@openlands.org
- Phone: 312.863.6289
