Faces of the City April 2026: Tristan Sayers

March 26, 2026

Faces of the City

A monthly feature that highlights the dedicated people who help keep our city running. Get to know who they are, what they do, and the paths that brought them here—putting a face to the city you live, work, and play in.

April 2026 — Tristan Sayers

This month, we are spotlighting Tristan Sayers, a Forestry Intern within the city’s Parks & Recreation Department. While many see our trees as a natural backdrop, Tristan views them as a vital municipal asset that requires careful management and consistent care to thrive within our urban environment.

Though he’s only in his internship with the city, Tristan is already balancing technical skill with long-term planning. A primary focus of his internship is mastering the art of structural pruning. By learning to prune street trees properly, he helps ensure that our canopy grows safely, preventing future hazards and maintaining clear sightlines for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Tristan also plays a critical role in data management by updating and correcting the city’s official tree inventory. This work is the backbone of urban forestry; an accurate inventory allows the department to track species diversity, monitor tree health, and plan for future plantings. His efforts help the city make informed decisions about where to invest resources to keep our neighborhoods green and vibrant.

Through his work, Tristan supports the “lungs” of our community. Managing the urban canopy is about more than aesthetics. Well-maintained trees reduce energy costs, manage stormwater runoff, and improve the overall air quality for every resident. By identifying maintenance needs early, Tristan helps the Parks & Recreation Department remain proactive rather than reactive.

Tristan’s path to forestry is rooted in a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Having grown up around plants, he has always been drawn to the look and feel of woods and forests. He is currently channeling that passion into his studies at Muskegon Community College, where he is pursuing a degree in Urban Forest Management. This internship serves as the practical application of his education, allowing him to help manage the very environment he grew up admiring.

When he isn’t out in the field, Tristan stays inspired by the outdoors through hiking and photography. He also enjoys unwinding with video games, finding a balance between the physical demands of forestry and the creative outlets of his personal time.