Who we are
Dr. Christine Carmichael is the award-winning Founder of Fair Forests Consulting, and author of the best-selling book "Racist Roots: How Racism Has Affected Trees and People in Our Cities--And What We Can Do About It." She holds a Ph.D. in Forestry with a Specialization in Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change and a Graduate Certificate in Community Engagement from Michigan State University.
Dr. Carmichael has published high-impact research and consulted with numerous non-profit environmental groups and government agencies on ways to enhance multicultural partnerships, particularly in urban forestry, parks, and greenspace management. She is also a skilled facilitator with expertise in strategic planning and ensuring productive dialogue among diverse groups who have a stake in environmental programs.
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Christine Carmichael, Ph.D.
Founder and Principal Consultant
Evangeline Costa
Chief Strategist
Evangeline Costa serves as Chief Strategist for Fair Forests, where she helps guide strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and advance community-centered urban forestry initiatives.
Her career spans urban forestry, strategic partnerships, business development, communications, and community engagement. She is recognized for bringing together municipalities, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to develop collaborative strategies that create lasting value.
Evangeline believes that nature plays an essential role in shaping healthy, resilient, and equitable communities. Expanding nature’s presence in the built environment improves public health, supports economic vitality, strengthens climate resilience, and enhances overall quality of life.
Evangeline is known for helping diverse stakeholders find common ground and translate shared goals into practical, actionable strategies. She specializes in aligning complex stakeholder interests, reducing friction in decision-making, and moving projects from concept to implementation. She believes the strongest outcomes are achieved through collaboration, where partnerships move beyond individual interests to create solutions that benefit entire communities.
At Fair Forests, Evangeline’s leadership complements the firm’s scientific and technical expertise by strengthening the relationships, partnerships, and strategic alignment that help communities build urban forests designed to thrive for generations.
Anand Kumar, Ph.D.
Urban and Community Forestry Consultant
Dr. Anand Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Urban Forestry, Ecosystem Services, and Carbon Storage and Sequestration and Master's Degree in Natural Resource Management from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India.
He has led significant projects with organizations like the U.S. Forest Service International Programs and Trade and Give Me Trees Trust in India. He is an expert in utilizing i-Tree tools, as well as GIS and carbon sequestration methodologies for urban green spaces.
Anand’s work includes extensive ecological and socio-economic assessments, afforestation program design, and the development of biodiversity strategies for both urban and peri-urban landscapes. His research is published in international journals, reflecting his commitment to high standards in science and public engagement. In addition to mentoring young professionals, Anand collaborates with communities and institutions to integrate ecological planning and best practices, earning recognition through invitations to expert sessions and doctoral fellowships for his research.
Anand has been selected for the prestigious 2026-27 Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowship. He also recently won the 2025 i-Tree Innovation Award from the Urban and Community Forestry Society.