Tom – The Tree Man and More

Don’t be surprised to see Tom Quigley when you’re out and about in the community. He could be on a trail, at a farm, in a meeting, or maybe under a Japanese Maple looking for the perfect pruning plan! Tom wears ‘many hats’ as some folks like to say, and he’s played an integral part in the local business and agricultural community for many years. He raised his family in Woodinville, and his business, Olympic Nursery, and now his tree farm have been located in the Sammamish Valley on agricultural preserved land in King County for many years. He is passionate about the Valley and has had long-term relationships with political leaders, local farmers and other business and non-profit leaders, all working together on issues of farmland preservation and increasing small farm productivity. His years of experience with trees and shrubs, and his ISA Certified Arborist status, led the City of Woodinville to seek him out to serve on the City’s Tree Board, a volunteer advisory board tasked with developing and overseeing the City's Urban Forestry Program. Developing standards for the maintenance and management of Woodinville's urban forest, the Tree Board, of which Tom is now Chairperson, seeks to ensure preservation of Woodinville's Northwest woodland character. Woodinville has received “Tree City USA” designation for the past nineteen years from the National Arbor Day Foundation. For several years, Tom has served as President of the Sammamish Valley Alliance (SVA), a non-profit that celebrates our agricultural heritage and represents small local farms and businesses located in a Valley that’s home to some of the most fertile farmland in the country. SVA is a ‘growing’ organization with mostly volunteers that strive to expand awareness and engagement through seasonal events and educational opportunities. Tom has also served in the past on the King County Agricultural Commission and on the Washington Community Forestry Council. He manages A Farm in the Valley LLC for a local Foundation that supports sustainable agriculture and also currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce. WHEW...he’s a busy man, but always has a minute for you when you see him. No matter what ‘hat’ Tom is wearing never hesitate to stop him to say hello. You’ll recognize him pretty easily, he’ll probably be carrying a small tree or shrub, on his way to the farm or some meeting or function. But, he’ll always have a moment to share a pruning tip or news from a local farm. All those who know him, whether a close friend, or a new acquaintance, enjoy his camaraderie and appreciate his representation of our community so passionately.