Mona Cummings, CEO of Tree Fresno

In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Mona Cummings, CEO and Director of Tree Fresno. Mona shares her fascinating journey from serving in the Peace Corps on islands off the coast of Africa to leading international forestry projects in Mozambique, and how those experiences shaped her approach to community work in Fresno. The conversation dives into the role of trees in urban life—from cooling neighborhoods and improving air quality to the deep inequities reflected in canopy cover across the city. Along the way, Mona reflects on the power of storytelling and data in nonprofit fundraising, the cultural meanings of trees, and the importance of engaging communities in building greener, healthier neighborhoods. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, local equity, or just love Fresno, this episode will leave you looking at the city’s trees in a whole new way.