TY - JOUR T1 - The Role and Training of Hispanic Field Workers in Chicago Area Tree Care JF - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) JO - JOA SP - 277 LP - 283 DO - 10.48044/jauf.1995.045 VL - 21 IS - 6 AU - Rachel E. Mendoza Y1 - 1995/11/01 UR - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/21/6/277.abstract N2 - In Chicago and its many suburbs, the problem of technology transfer to field personnel is complicated by a large contingency of Spanish-speaking workers. At present, few programs exist to meet their training needs. As a result, trees may be receiving less than optimal treatment, possibly leading to early mortality and unnecessary economic loss to the landscape, nursery and tree care companies that grow and maintain much of the private urban forest. A pilot study conducted by the author and sponsored by the University of Illinois, Department of Forestry found that the number of immigrant Hispanic workers in the Chicago area green industry was larger and more stable than previously believed. The study also found that most workers received either no training or in-house developed training in tree and plant care. Alienation, economics, education and self-esteem were also explored as factors affecting the training needs of this population. ER -