Sippy has described herself as “born a tree hugger” and her favorite hangout spot during her childhood in Kansas was in the crown of the catalpa tree in the front yard of her home. Forty years later Sippy told the Missoulian that she could still recall the location of every tree and its species within her neighborhood. “It was just a part of conversations,” she said. “You would always say ‘that maple tree’ or ‘that pin oak.’” She majored in Education at the University of Kansas, but deeply delved in the science of silviculture while taking a master gardener training program when she moved to Atlanta.

In 2011 Sippy helped organize Trees for Missoula, and as its volunteer executive director served on the committee that composed the 2015 Missoula Urban Forest Master Management Plan. During her stint she diligently researched the many natural resource, climate resiliency and societal benefits of urban forests—including the management of storm water, alleviation of air and water pollution, reduction of the speed of traffic, preservation of sidewalk and street pavements, deterrence of crime, and the stimulation of community and business vitality, all the while providing shelter for many species of birds, small mammals and insects. She not only developed relationships with contractors, businesses, non-profits, elected officials and volunteers, but also helped raise funds to get the roots of young trees into the ground.

Sippy’s efforts eventually led to the city tree nursery’s development of bareroot trees at Missoula’s Resource Recovery Center, using treated effluent from the City’s wastewater treatment plant to stimulate development of fibrous root systems to enhance survival in our local rocky soils and arid climate. She has also promoted suspended pavement systems along business sidewalks, such as silva cells, which increase the survival rate of young trees. Since 2020, Sippy almost single-handedly directed the rejuvenation of Missoula’s urban forest, according to Donna Gaukler, Director of Missoula Parks and Recreation. “With climate change impacting us more each year, the urban forest is one of our greatest tools…and hopes for our future,” Gaukler said.

Sippy, who also assisted in the formation of the Grant Creek Trails Association, has simultaneously held seats on the boards of Friends of Missoula Parks, Conservation Lands Advisory Committee, the State of Montana Arboretum Committee and the Missoula Downtown Business Improvement District. Some of her pet projects have included planting trees near homes in low-income areas at no cost to residents and gracing the playground of Lowell School with shade trees. “I hope to leave Missoula a greener, cooler and healthier place for future generations, people and wildlife alike,” she told the Missoulian.

Like Worden’s planting of the first Norway maples along East Pine Street 150 years ago, Sippy’s efforts will likely affect the lives of Missoulians well into the next century.

By Mark Matthews