Nick, the outgoing chair, informed the board of his likely departure after the March meeting due to a potential move. "I don't feel it would be a good idea to nominate me for chair again because I will likely have to step down here before too awful long," he said, prompting the board to open nominations for both leadership positions. Mike Bender was unanimously elected chair, with Laura KD unanimously elected vice chair in a separate vote.

The board is managing several significant initiatives. The city recently received a $174,543 Community Tree Planting Grant to replace 114 ash trees by June 30, 2027, focusing on neighborhoods with lower incomes and higher temperatures. Staff also reported completing a landscape redesign at the Discovery Center using native plants and are planning a prairie restoration project west of the Discovery Center, where native plants will be reintroduced over 3-5 years to combat encroaching woody vegetation.

The board is revising its 2026 work plan, replacing the "Scott Carver Buckthorn event" due to low community participation and physical demands. Proposed alternatives include Discovery Center cleanups, tree pruning workshops, educational videos, and information tables at local events like the farmers market. These suggestions will be finalized at the March meeting.

The board also addressed emerging threats to local trees. An invasive spongy moth that defoliates oak trees was recently spotted in Rapids, Minnesota, and the board plans to alert the Minnesota Department of Agriculture if it appears locally. A new pest called the zigzag sawfly of elm has also been identified, causing distinctive patterns on elm leaves. The board will inform residents about both pests through the city website and newsletter, alongside an article promoting the benefits of trees—including improved air quality, pest resilience through biodiversity, and reduced light pollution—in connection with an upcoming Arbor Day tree giveaway.