MARK A. GILLILAND

85 Harriman Road

mg@markg.org

voice: (914) 714-3056

Irvington, NY 10533

www.markg.org

fax: (914) 591-1032

Related Experience

2010-present - Chairperson of the GEF LORAX Working Group

In response to the continued environmental problems created by Con Ed's Distribution and Transmission Line Clearing activities around the county, organized a multi-discipline working committee under the auspices of the Greenburgh Environmental Forum to study the issues and legal/regulatory framework. The goal is to heighten political awareness of the need for regulatory change through the creation of a set of recommendations, model legislation and resolutions which will be shared with regional municipalities for enactment.

2009-present - Founder of Irvington Tree Preservation Project

Spearheaded grassroots effort to mitigate the impact of Con Ed's Distribution Line clearing activities in the village of Irvington. Included public meetings, daily email notifications of "target streets,"  articles written for and interviews given to local media,  and establishment of an informational blog site irvtrees.blogspot.com.

2008-present - Chairperson of the Irvington Tree Policy Working Group

Leader of effort both to strengthen the town's existing tree code and to develop a long-term tree policy, which will be comprise of developing stricter guidelines for permit approvals, re-landscaping requirements and tree replanting. In addition, developing a website with permit forms, guidelines and educational materials for village staff, builders and residents. 

2008-present - Member, Irvington Environmental Conservation Board

Primary areas of expertise on this 6-person board: NYS DEC "Blue Book" Best Practices concerning storm water, runoff and flooding mitigation, including cost-effective solutions such as rain gardens; tree care and maintenance, including proper tree protection to minimize damage during site development. ECB review is required for all site plans in the village.

Summer 2009 - Developer, Tree Permit Management Database

The village of Irvington has engaged me to specify, design and construct a Tree Permit Management database. The purpose is to improve the organization and tracking of permits throughout the various approval processes required of a resident or village department to remove a tree, including public notification of approval/disapproval status, historical reporting and query, as well as tracking the performance of restitutions required when there are violations.

2004-present - Member of Irvington Tree Commission, named Chairperson in 2009

Worked with elected officials and village staff to gain support for a uniform approach to the long-term goal of protecting the urban forest canopy. Redesigned tree-removal permit forms and process of permit approval, expanding oversight to include village agencies such as DPW (Department of Public Works). Developed a public permit posting and notification requirement, plus tree valuation criteria and preferred species lists for use in replanting and restoration.  

2007-2008 - Member of the Irvington Climate Protection Task Force

This influential task force suggested and prioritized actions the village could take to prevent or mitigate damage owing to climate change, several of which have already been undertaken by the village. Led the study group on water policy, which included storm water management and flood prevention, water quality, water conservation and related concerns. Edited the final CPTF Report and presented summary recommendations to the village Board of Trustees. Continue to advise village board as needed.

2008 - Member, "SWAT" team, Cornell Urban Tree Survey

Participated in survey of village public street trees, gathering information such as tree species, diameter, GPS location, overall condition and "warning flags" indicating a need for high-priority pruning or arborist consultation. The final report findings showed village officials the species and age distribution as well as the condition of municipal street trees. Because of the report, the village has created a new street tree replanting program. In fall 2009, organized and ran "phase 2" of the Irvington Street Tree Survey. 

2004-present Landscape Design Principal, Garden Artistry 

My design firm specializes in unique designs for public and private spaces that incorporate native plants, bio-filtration, eco-buffers and concern for sustainable landscapes. In addition, I have taught, lectured and tutored extensively on a wide range of horticultural, landscape design and design history topics, including a ongoing series of lectures and hands-on workshops (e.g., "Using the Computer in Landscape Design Process") which I developed for the Landscape Design certification program at the New York Botanical Garden. I also write horticultural and "how-to" gardening articles for local newspapers, magazines and online blogs.  Samples of my work are available at www.garden-artistry.com.