Educational Session Descriptions

Obi Kaufmann, Author “Forests of California”, Oakland, California

KEYNOTE: The mind of the Redwood Forest; from mycelia to murrelets

Delivering this year’s keynote address to attendees at the 87th WSICA annual conference is the best-selling author of the Forests of California, Obi Kaufmann (Heyday, 2021). In this wide-ranging and comprehensive overview, Obi explores the dynamic biodiversity and the conditions that exist to sustain the world’s tallest forests — the forests of Sequoia sempervirens, the Coast redwood. In his artful and analytic style, this tour of California’s iconic redwoods includes a survey of evolutionary theory about how the redwood forest came to be, what the state of the forest is now, and how it might react and evolve to the future in light of development and climate disruption. From hydrology to habitat, Obi’s impassioned and intimate introduction to this endemic ecosystem prescribes intersectional solutions of resiliency and restoration that collectively work to secure the health of the majestic redwood forest for millennia to come.

Patrick Boyle, Humboldt County Parks, Carlotta, Ca

Living and Recreating Under Giants

A little history of the redwoods with a walk thru the park. Some of the challenges the Redwoods Face and the challenges we encounter with recreation use in an old growth forest. Video and discussion of how and why we used explosives on a hazard tree and some of the thoughts and lessons we learned from this experience.

Scott D Baker, Tree Solutions Inc. Seattle, Seattle, WA presenting with Jim Campbell- Spickler, Eco-Ascension Research & Consulting

Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park

With Jim’s help we will tell the story of the planning and construction of the Sequoia Park Zoo Skywalk. It has been four years since I was fist contacted about the idea. I will use this example to discuss other structures built in tree especially redwoods. The project involves science based ecosystem, arboricultural tree assessment, and structural assessments. The consulting arborists coordinated with the City and Zoo Staff, General Contractor, Engineers, and the ground and tree supported Bridge Builders.

This talk will use the example of the skywalk to explore questions about tree sporting structures their effect on the trees and the surrounding ecosystem. This project was constructed in a city on the park in Eureka California. The idea was first raised in 2017 and I was asked to visit the site and discuss ideas with zoo staff and there planning team.   I have been working with tree supported structures professionally for over 25 years. I was first process I was first approached by treehouse builders at a PNWISA field day event. Eventually I’ve began to attend a conference sponsored by the Association for challenge course technology. This group it is well organized professional organization the crew out of the construction of ropes courses zip lines and other aerial events that are often attached to the trees.

The Sequoia Park Zoo Skywalk is one of the most unique, and exciting structures currently built using trees for suupport. The fact that it is situated in a grove of large redwoods, some over 250 feet tall and that visitors of any ability will be able to view the forest from more than 90 feet off the ground will astound people. This project also has a component that involved building is 343 foot long entry ramp through tree root systems.

I hope that participants will learn more about tree biology and biomechanics as well as how a consulting arborist can provide key information and guidance two projects like this one. I think it’s pretty far out!

Stephen C. Hart, University of California Merced, Merced, CA

Ginormous Trees Have Big Effects: Belowground Imprints of Giant Sequoias

Giant sequoia is an iconic conifer that lives in relict populations on the western slopes of the California Sierra Nevada. We used next-generation amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial/archaeal and fungal microbiomes in bulk soil (0–5 cm) beneath giant sequoia and co-occurring sugar pine individuals. We conclude that the effects of giant sequoia extend beyond mycorrhizal mutualists to include the broader community and that some but not all host tree differences are grove-dependent.

Erika Teach, Davey Tree Expert Company and USDA Forest Service, Sacramento, CA

Trees For the Future – a 5 Year Update

Erika Teach will present an update of the Climate Ready Trees study, which was started in 2015 by Greg McPherson and collaborators. This will include survivorship and growth information for the 18 species planted in three California climate zones these species are not widely found in.

Nick Araya, TreeCareLA, El Segundo, CA

The Real Pandemic – How to Restore Topped Trees

Tree topping is an arboricultural pandemic. Low skilled workers, unwitting tree owners, and intentional hackers are to blame for a practice that leaves trees permanently disfigured and reduces the quality of our urban forest. We can’t simply cut down all topped trees – there would be few urban trees left! Join us to learn more about tree topping and its solutions: crown restoration, size control pruning, client education, and best of all – prevention!

Gordon Mann, California Tree and Landscape Consulting, Inc., & Mann Made Resources, Auburn, CA

Writing Pruning Specifications So the Trees Look As Intended

Arborists seem to enjoy easy words to describe their pruning, i.e.: dead wood, thin, shape, clean, raise. All are actually objectives that need to be better defined and described so when the work is finished it can be demonstrated or inspected that the specifications were met. There are 3 ways to remove branches, branch removal cut, reduction cut, heading cut. Those are always made in a proper manner. The arborist is person to decide where those cuts will be made in the tree, and the tree will have a reaction or a response to those cuts. We will share the key words and format for writing pruning specifications and show some supporting materials like photos with where to make cuts, what the crown will appear after the work is completed, and how to describe the work so it can not be performed differently and have the tree look differently than intended. These skills can be used to write larger project specifications, and conditions for pruning permits, both common uses in municipal settings.

Chris Lee, CAL FIRE, Fortuna, California The Tree Pathology Textbook and the Map of the West Coast

This talk uses case studies along the California coast to show how most tree pest educational paradigms are stressed-tree paradigms based on the interior West and inadequately apply to tree problems on the coast. The talk points out some knowledge gaps in our understanding of particular coastal tree pests to illustrate how these training paradigms need to shift to account for the prevalence of two prevailing conditions along the coast: good growing environments for both trees and pests and a larger number of invasive pests entering through seaports.

Christopher Campbell, Christopher Campbell Tree Design, San Farancisco, CA

Root crown excavation, restoring proper grades and exposing root buttresses

Photographic and video demonstration showing the issues with buried root crowns in relation to tree health and vigor. Starting with the nursery and excess soil, circling roots and adventitious roots grow in the additional soil above the root flare. This causes strangler roots, poor root architecture and is rarely remediated by the professional planting the tree. Fast forward and after mulching, years of leaf litter and potential grade changes from construction and gargen projects, trees begin to suffer. A reduction of gas and oxygen exchange and aeration begin to take their toll. Insects and disease often move in on the weaker organisms. Excess soil holds moisture against trunks and root flares and promotes trunk and root rot. Many of us know well about the issue but it remains an industry problem.   It is far easier to ignore or simply recommend it should be done. Root crown excavations are tedious hard work. It is often difficult to convince clients or tree managers that the cost to perform a significant root crown excavation is necessary. However, trees really respond to this type of remediation. Its often that other treatments, pest applications and fertilizing is not necessary and doesn’t deal with the root of the problem.   I will show many photographs and some video of my team clearing root crowns. We perform this work on a weekly basis because it is so common in the urban landscape and we care about tree health. We will show our version of a quick root crown clearing all the way to major root crown excavations using air spade tools.

Natalie van Doorn, PhD, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA presenting with Lara Roman, PhD, USDA Forest Service

“Far out” tips and tricks to urban tree monitoring

Long-term field monitoring of urban trees is essential to learn how urban forests change over time. In this presentation, which includes a field demo, learn some of the tips and tricks to setting up and conducting a monitoring program, and explore the newly available resources from the Forest Service to help define and achieve your goals. No more scratching your head, wondering how to measure those multi-stemmed trees!

Dave Muffly, Oaktopia, Santa Barbara, CA

Oaks for California’s Future

For nearly 25 years, and with the help of a wide variety of partners, Dave Muffly has been experimenting with new tree species for California. In the beginning, this work was centered in Palo Alto, and throughout the Stanford University campus, planting trees in wildland and urban contexts with the non-profit Magic. These efforts then transitioned into a long term partnership with the non-profit Canopy, at first only planting street and park trees in Palo Alto. These efforts were successful, and included the first plantings of key new tree species at scale. This success subsequently blossomed into the planting of several thousand trees in historically underserved East Palo Alto, using an ever more unusual palette of trees. Since then, work in Davis, and with the hyperdiverse Apple Park campus in Cupertino, has given Dave a unique opportunity to assess dozens of virtually unknown tree taxa. For reasons of drought and biodiversity, oaks are a primary focus of attention. There have been many surprises on this road, which includes local natives, California natives, and regional natives, along with trees from the Mediterranean and Mexico. Tapping vast archives of tree photos, and peering a bit into the looking glass, we will assess patterns of success and failure in the search for climate change adaptive trees for California.

Mike Sullivan, None, San Francisco, CA

A Tree Tour of San Francisco’s Salesforce Park

San Francisco’s Salesforce Park has one of the best collection of trees and plants in the City – it’s an arboretum and botanical garden arranged around a 4 block loop, plopped 70 feet above street level on top of San Francisco’s transit center.  The trees and plants of the park are largely from Mediterranean regions of the world, and much of the park is organized geographically – there is a native California garden, a South African garden, a Chilean garden, an Australian garden, and so on. However, despite the fantastic quality of the specimens in the park, the trees are generally not labeled or  identified.  To help solve this information gap, Mike Sullivan has created a 35 minute video tour of the trees of Salesforce Park, which he’ll share in this Session.    

Dana Karcher, President Elect, ISA, Belton, TX presenting with Caitlyn Pollihan, CEO/Executive Director ISA, Atlanta GA

ISA Dialogue Session

Please join ISA President-Elect Dana Karcher and ISA CEO & Executive Director Caitlyn Pollihan as they share the latest news from ISA including new educational products, updates on credentialing and TRAQ programs, new consumer product updates, upcoming ISA events, and how being part of the ISA global network provided critical support for our members during a most unprecedented year.

Jared Abrojena, Academy Trained, Santa Rosa, CA; Chad Brey, A Plus Tree, Concord, CA; and Mark Chisholm, Aspen Tree Expert Co, Jackson, NJ – Facilitated by Michael Palat, West Coast Arborists Inc., La Mesa, California

The closest call… learn how 3 of the best climbers in the world survived their near misses.

This presentation will illustrate how 3 near miss incidents in the tree care industry helped shape 3 individuals to become the best tree climbers in the world. Mark Chisholm, Jared Abrojena and Chad Brey are 3 of the most revered tree climbers in the industry. They will each share their individual story of a near miss that changed them as professionals. The attendees will learn how complacency followed by a thirst for knowledge brought these guys to the top of the profession. Techniques, positioning and timing of how perform high risk tree work will all be discussed during this interview style panel discussion. This presentation will also include some supporting videos and narration.

Tree Risk Assessment for the modern tree worker

This presentation will provide a detailed overview from 3 of the best tree climbers in the world. Mark Chisholm, Jared Abrojena and Chad Brey are 3 of the most revered tree climbers in the industry. This dynamic trio will educate us all on how tree care professionals perform tree risk assessments every day when they touch trees. This method of evaluation varies greatly based on experience and background. The goal of this presentation is to have attendees understand the various considerations that climbers should evaluate when conducting a tree risk assessment. This presentation will be conducted in a panel style format with potential for supporting videos and narration.

Ken Knight, Kenneth A Knight Consulting, LLC, Goleta, CA

Risk Assessment in Fire Damaged Campgrounds

This is a comparison of tree inventories and risk assessment processes before and after wildfires struck three campground sites in Malibu, Ojai, and Santa Barbara County. What started as a routine review to protect campers from high-risk trees became a more extensive effort to help the campgrounds reopen after fire damaged their trees and facilities. Three case studies will be reviewed for techniques and processes used.

Seth Reid, Southern California Edison, presenting with Brian Sprinkle

ISA Best Management Practices for Utility Tree Risk Assessment

Wildfire threat for utilities in the Western United States is a constant concern. With minimum clearance regulations in effect for decades, the greatest risk for utility caused fires is from trees to the side or outside of the ROW. It is those trees where risk assessment techniques must be implemented. ISA’s Utility Tree Risk Assessment BMP guides utility vegetation managers and risk assessors in accurate and consistent evaluation of tree risks, while recognizing the importance and value of trees when considering risk mitigation options.

Zeno Acton, Acton Arboriculture, Inc., Grass Valley, California

Tree Risk, Controversy, and Common Ground: An Independent Arborists Account at the Front Lines of PG&E’s Enhanced Vegetation Management in Nevada City.

Last fall, at the “Far Out” edge of where the wildland meets the urban interface, and in the wake of catastrophic fires and some of the largest lawsuits in the history of English Common Law, a utility company’s goal to reduce tree failures on power lines ignited a controversy in a small historic mining town. As an independent arborist, hired to consult with a municipality and private landowners, I will share my account of the circumstances along with my methods and perspectives. My hope is that attendees will be able to glean nuggets of knowledge for their tool kit and commit or recommit to being a champion for best management practices.`

Robert Phillips, Santa Rosa, CA

The ABC’s and the XYZ’s of climbing aloft in trees.

In learning to climb aloft in trees safely it is important to start with the basics before jumping into the more advance techniques.

The purpose of this presentation is to familiarize the audience with the basic tree climbing methods and progress into the more modern and advanced climbing techniques. Getting aloft in trees has its challenges that require learning slow and practicing low. Most climbers learn on the job the simple straight forward methods of climbing on rope. It is up to the individual climber to learn and apply more advanced techniques to climb aloft. What I have put together in this presentation is the bridging of the basic and the advanced techniques.

Amy Young, SMUD, Sacramento, CA Presenting with Pamela Sanchez, Sacramento Tree Foundation, Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Shade – A New Far Out Version

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the Sacramento Tree Foundation (Sac Tree) have partnered for over 30 years to bring free shade trees to SMUD customers. Learn how this partnership has built a culture for the appreciation of the urban forest both within the community and the utility, and how even after 30 years the program is continuing to evolve and bring value.

Barbara Clucas, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Coastal Redwood Forest Wildlife

The coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Northwestern California are host to variety of unique wildlife species. The trees and snags in old-growth forests provide cavities and structure for nesting and shelter for numerous mammal, bird and herpetofauna species. This presentation will cover current research on several species in Humboldt County focusing on the Humboldt’s flying squirrels (Glaucomys oregonensis). The Humboldt’s flying squirrel is a newly “discovered” species of flying squirrel in North America. This species was previously thought to be part of the geographically widespread Northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus) but recent molecular studies show that flying squirrels in California up to Washington are a distinct species. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, cryptic animals that are ecologically important. In California and the Pacific Northwest, flying squirrels are important prey species for several species of conservation concern, such as the Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and fisher (Pekania pennanti). They also play a role in fungus dispersal, which is important for growth in young trees and forest health. Therefore an understanding of the ecology and behavior of the Humboldt’s flying squirrel is a key conservation issue in northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Anthony Ambrose, The Marmot Society, South Lake Tahoe, CA Presenting with Wendy Baxter, The Marmot Society, South Lake Tahoe, CA

California redwoods in a changing world

This presentation will review the history and potential future of California’s redwoods in a rapidly changing planet. We will talk about the biogeography, status, and factors influencing the health of coast redwood and giant sequoia trees and forests. We will discuss recent and current studies examining these topics, with a focus on canopy-based research in both species over the last several decades.

Tim Womick, TreeCircus, Cashiers, NC

Why Humans Fail

Imagine a bustling “Tree Conference” without humans or presentations about tree care, but one where the speakers might include Acer macrophyllum, , Arbutus menzieii, and Quercus chrysolepis, some of The Far Out Trees of Humboldt. Yes, trees themselves gathered to discuss what they think of us. “Why Humans Fail” is an ever valuable and light-hearted look at ourselves as we continue to assess our tree knowledge and relationship with them.

LIGHTNING ROUND SESSIONS

Arboriculture technology: remote sensing, GIS, unmanned vehicles and more – Wednesday, June 9th 10:30AM

  • Chris Madison, Madison Tree Consulting, LLC, Bend, Oregon – Seeing the Unseen: How Remote Sensing Can Advance Arboriculture: In this lecture we will blow your mind, with SCIENCE! We will be doing a deep dive into the technology of Remote Sensing. What is it, and how it could be the future of tree management.
  • James Bradford, Environmental Consultants (ECI), Cool, CA and Rafael Estevez  Environmental Consultants (ECI), Wake Forest, NC – Digital Corridor Management: Application of Technology for Field Execution: A remote sensing project highlighting work planning while leveraging best in class technology to identify points of interest (POIs) with greater accuracy, efficiency and safety.  By first capturing remote sensing data including LiDAR and high resolution imagery, a virtual view of the field conditions was obtained.  Field resources armed with location information as well as tree attributes including clearance and strike potential evaluated each POI to create a mitigation plan.
  • Maegan Blansett, PlanIT Geo, Arvada, CO – Mapping the Urban Forest: As urban tree canopy continues to grow in popularity as a type of green infrastructure, communities need to know how to strategically manage this valuable resource. Many tools exist to analyze the urban forest, quantify its benefits, and prioritize equity for all residents, including remote sensing, statistical sampling, and software for on-the-ground surveying. See why we assess canopy from both the “top-down” and “bottom-up” and how communities are applying GIS to improve their urban forests.
  • Paul Barber, Arbor Carbon, Willagree Central, Western Australia – Remote Sensing and AI for Utilities & in the Urban Forest:
  • AJ Fox, HANA Resource, Lake Forest, CA – Land Survey & Growth Prediction Mapping Using Drones: HANA is an industry leader in utilizing remote sensing to detect changes in vegetation on a habitat landscape scale. Our patented (U.S. Patent No. 9,984,455) and proprietary technology utilizes deep learning models and computer vision to conduct Plant Species Recognition, which allows us to map and determine density of individual plant species and native and/or invasive plant species. Results have been verified through ground-truthing and statistical measures.

“Far Out” topics in arboriculture – Thursday, June 10th 1:30PM

  • Gray Shaw, The Black Ripple, Berkeley, CA Taking Biochar Farther Out: Science of biochar and current state of systems for making it, tailored for arborists, including demonstration of small-scale off-grid system
  • Dr Ken James, Ken James and Associates, KEW, VIC – Surprising examples to show how Giant Trees survive winds: When giant trees move in winds and big buildings move in earthquakes, the dynamics of large moving masses can produce some surprising and almost unbelievable results.  There is almost no published information on how giant trees move in winds, but it is likely that the dynamics are similar to large buildings that move and vibrate in earthquakes. Surprising examples from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake will be used to show how giant trees survive winds.
  • Ruth Williams, Treecology Consulting, Portland, OR – Drawing and Painting Trees
  • Wei Zhang, TreeDiaper, Ashland, VA – Trees in Green Stormwater Infrastructures: Challenges and Solutions: Green Stormwater Infrastructures (GSIs) are developed to replace the conventional grey infrastructures for stormwater treatment. It should be sustainable by using plants to clean up stormwater. However, plants often fail before established, which diminishes the purpose. This because the plants undergo constant stresses: either too wet (during storms) or too dry (in between storms). This presentation will review novel technologies that can address this problem by using some of the abundant stormwater in GSIs.

PANEL SESSIONS

Urban Wood: Why Knot?  – Monday, June 7th 4:00PM

During this panel discussion, Jennifer will explain the benefits of the Urban Wood Network and the benefits of our urban trees while living, as well as when they must be removed. She will then facilitate a panel discussion on Urban Wood Policy as part of the USRW certification standards, followed by a Q&A discussion to tie it together. The panelists will include Mike Palat and John Mahoney from WCA Inc., Danny Torres from Deadwood Revival Design, and Scott Paul from Taylor Guitars. We will discuss groundbreaking changes that are being made by city managers in respect to adopting this urban wood recycling policy. This will show the listener the full economy of urban wood, and that trees have value even once they are removed. The take away will be to begin to see value in the trees that are removed, ensure they are converted to their highest and best use, and show how partnering with the Urban Wood Network can help with that.  Secondarily, we all use wood products, the listener will be encouraged to look first to urban wood for their wood products needs and understand the benefit to the environment by choosing the carbon storage vehicle that is urban wood. Finally we will show how policy can ensure that more urban wood is utilized and that the full circle urban wood economy is able to thrive.

  • Daniel Torres, Deadwood Revival Design, Atascadero, CA
  • Jennifer Alger, USRW / Urban Wood Network, Sheridan, CA
  • Michael Palat, West Coast Arborists Inc., La Mesa, CA with John Mahoney, Street Tree Revival, Anaheim, CA and Scott Paul, Taylor Guitars, San Diego, CA

WIA Breakfast Panel – Mentors as Allies: Strategies for Empowering Women – Tuesday, June 8th, 8:00AM

Mentors are often an employee’s most valuable resource for building a successful career. During this session, female and male panelists will discuss mentoring strategies they have implemented that promote the participation and professional development of women in the tree care industry. This panel will explore how mentors can act as allies in our pursuit of achieving a more diverse and equitable workforce.

  • Susan Day
  • Patrick O’Meara
  • Rhonda Wood

Urban Forest Strike Team and the Relevance for Wildfires – Tuesday, June 8th 4PM

Natural disasters cause significant damage each year to our urban and community forests, and the resulting assessment and recovery needs are a challenge for many communities. For over 10 years the Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) initiative has been used by the states in the eastern U.S. to assess disaster damage. Teams of professional arborists and foresters are recruited, trained and deployed after a disaster to help communities in need identify high risk trees, reduce loss of tree canopy, and prioritize restoration work. This panel will provide an overview of UFST and share how it has been used to assess damage and recover after hurricanes, tornados and invasive insects and how it can be adapted for other uses.

  • John Parry, U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region – Overview of UFST initiative.
  • Will Liner, Florida Forest Service – UFST deployments in Florida and Alabama after Hurricane Sally.
  • Tyler Stevenson, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources – UFST deployment in Dayton OH after 2019 tornado.
  • Alex Sherman, City Forester Springfield, MA – 10 years of recovery/planting  work in Springfield MA after 2011 tornado and UFST assessment.
  • Lara Johnson, Virginia Dept. of Forestry – Adaption of UFST model for invasive insect assessments.

Arboriculture’s Response to COVID-19 – Wednesday, June 9th, 1:30PM

COVID-19 has presented many challenges to our industry. Hear from five organizations on how they have adapted their tree planting and other programming to successfully carry out their work while complying with State, County, or other restrictions put into place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  • Elise Willis, Canopy, Palo Alto, CA
  • Beverly Babb, Arizona Community Tree Council, Gilbert, AZ
  • Jackie Lyle, Civano Growers, Sahuarita, AZ
  • Shannon Noelle Rivera, Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program, Smart Trees Pacific, Honolulu, HI
  • John Crandell, Nevada Shade Tree Council, Carson City, NV
  • Mike Yarak, Friends of the Urban Forest, San Francisco, CA

Growing Utility Tree Workers – Thursday, June 10th 10:30AM

  • Larry Abernathy, Abernathy VMS, and Annie Rafferty, Butte College Educating out next generation of Utility Arborists: Utility Arboriculture is one of the highest in-demand jobs in the west, especially in California. However there is a significant gap in pre-employment training and education. This new community college based program seeks to close that gap, educating and training our next generation of line clearance arborists and utility foresters.
  • Chris Hughes, Pacific Gas and Electric, Fremont, CA and Mike Thiffault, Pacific Gas and Electric, – Growing Utility Tree Workers: Its getting harder each year to hire qualified tree workers due to competition between companies and non- tree industry jobs. Even with Covid, the economy is strong, and it remains a challenge to attract qualified candidates. In order to attract others to our industry, provide for military retraining efforts, and provide industry with potential new employees that come with defined level of skills, PG&E has partnered with Butte Community College and industry to create a certification program for entry level tree workers, with the intention to expand to other colleges.

Diverse Paths to Arboriculture Careers: Far Out Women of Arboriculture – Thursday, June 10th, 11:30AM

To make our profession more inclusive and welcoming, we are showcasing the experiences of our colleagues who come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives, who may have experienced challenges (or rewarding circumstances!) firsthand, and who are helping their own coworkers become aware of those opportunities and barriers. 

This year’s focus is on “Women in arboriculture.”   The Panel of Far Out women arboricultural professionals will share their experiences: how they became aware of the profession, how they got started, what helped them, what hindered them, and how they are helping others start in (or transition into) this career field.  The discussion will center on first-hand experiences, and we have been very fortunate that a wide spectrum of professionals have agreed to participate: a climber, a consultant, a municipal arborist, a state forester, a community-benefit organization’s arborist, and a researcher.

Our main goal for this Panel series (to be continued in future years!) is to spur thinking about simple but meaningful steps that we can take in our everyday work to encourage a wide range of folks to become arboricultural professionals!

  • Rhonda Wood – Disneyland (climbing arborist)
  • Elizabeth Lanham – Davey Tree Company (tree company)
  • Alison Lancaster – Jan Scow Consulting Arborists (consulting arborist)
  • Raquel Falco – City of Glendora (municipal arborist)
  • Karla Nagy – Friends of the Urban Forest (CBO)
  • Julia Gowin – CAL FIRE (State/Federal)
  • Lara Roman – USDA Forest Service (research)

The Sweet Sixteen: Battle of the Western Chapter Pests – Thursday, June 10th, 3:00PM

Join us for the Western Chapter Battle of the Pests! An expert from each of our member states will make the case for why their state’s pests and diseases are the worst. We’ll start with a Sweet Sixteen group of pests–four from each state. You, the audience, will vote for each state’s worst. The state winners will pair off against each other in the Final Four, with the two winners there facing each other in the FINAL ROUND. Come prepared to decide among the worst of the worst!

  • Kim Corella, Forest Entomology and Pathology Program/Forester II, CAL FIRE
  • Amanda Grady, Entomologist, Southwestern Region, Arizona Zone Forest Health, US Forest Service
  • Kevin Burls, Integrated Pest Management Educator, University of Nevada Extension
  • Christy Martin, Program Manager/PIO   University of Hawai‘i-Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS)