Member Spotlight
Lorraine Fountain , MCA
Hartney Greymont
Lorraine is the newest member of the MCA Committee . Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions for us , Rainey !
How old were you when you decided you wanted to work in tree care ? I was 20 , studying wildlife biology , when I had the chance to try climbing for a class . Immediately , I was hooked . At the same time , I was in my first plant class – Vascular Plant Taxonomy – and realized there was just as much to know about plants as about animals .
What was your first paying job in the tree care industry ? A research internship sampling and identifying trees and plants in the woods all up the Appalachians . Then I saw women working on a tree crew on campus , and ended up applying at their office a couple years later as a climber trainee .
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work ? How have they influenced you ? The toughest , no-nonsense , hardest workers . They pushed me every day , and taught me how much I ’ m capable of accomplishing . Special shoutout though to David Anderson , who has been so supportive and kind since day one .
What energizes you at work ? Other motivated people ! I have trouble building up momentum on my own , but I love trying to match the energy around me .
Favorite piece of equipment ? Product ? Technology / app ? This 20 + year old International bucket truck we had . I love finicky old trucks . The highbeam button was on the floor , and it shifted way more smoothly than the old Fords . Otherwise , I love my trusty Silky Zubat .
What ’ s your favorite tree ? Why ? Betula alleghaniensis or Quercus montana . Both have awesome bark , and remind me of being in the mountains .
What ’ s something you ’ re good at that most people wouldn ’ t know ? Training animals ! I trained my old parrot to put a ball in a tiny basketball hoop , and play fetch .
Best book you ever read ? The Silmarillion . It puts me to sleep without fail .
Top destination on your must-see list ? Currently New Zealand !
Favorite season ? Autumn .
Mountain , lake or ocean ? I grew up in Eastern Tennessee , so mountains all the way .
What would we most likely find you doing on your day off ? On the couch at home , playing Stardew Valley next to my husband and dog .
What ’ s one thing you ’ re learning now ? Why is it important ? I ’ m learning about and experimenting with perennials in my home garden . This has been a gap in my knowledge since I work mainly with trees and shrubs , and I ’ m excited to bring new skills to my future planting projects .
If you didn ’ t go into tree care , what would you be doing instead ? Wildlife biology research – hopefully on eastern indigo snakes or gopher tortoises .
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