Outlook Spring 2025
By Rose Epperson on Monday, March 31, 2025
Branching Out with WCISA: Grow, Connect, and Lead!
At WCISA, "Branching Out" is more than just a phrase—it’s a commitment to growth, connection, and impact in the world of arboriculture. As a member, you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, build a strong professional network, and make a lasting difference in tree care and urban forestry.
As professionals dedicated to arboriculture, we know that growth isn’t just something that happens in trees—it happens in our knowledge, careers, and community. That’s why at WCISA, we’re always Branching Out—expanding opportunities for you to grow, connect, and lead in meaningful ways.
Grow Your Expertise - Your commitment to professional excellence drives this industry forward, and we’re here to support you with Certified Arborist Exams & TRAQ Workshops as well as opportunities to stay at the cutting edge with hands-on learning opportunities and new qualifications and credentials. Our calendar is packet with CEU Courses & Webinars with something for everyone (both online and in person) to keep your skills sharp and certifications up to date. WCISA Publications & Research including this Western Arborist publication and the variety of offering from The Britton Fund allow you to stay informed with the latest industry advancements.
Connect with the Best - Your network is one of your greatest assets, and we’re proud to foster a thriving community of professionals. As we continue our journey of Branching Out, I am thrilled to invite you to our 91st Annual Conference & Trade Show, scheduled for April 22–25, 2025, in the fantastic city of Tucson, Arizona. This year's theme, "Branching Out: Innovations in Arboriculture for a Sustainable Future," emphasizes our focus on Culture, Community, and Collaboration.
Our journey begins on Tuesday, April 22, with an array of pre-conference activities designed to inspire, educate, and build camaraderie before the main event kicks off.
For our cycling enthusiasts, the 18th Annual Britton Fund Ride invites riders to embark on a scenic journey through the Arizona landscape, all in support of vital research and education in arboriculture. Meanwhile, those who prefer the green of the fairway can take part in the TREE Fund Golf Outing at The Views Golf Club at Oro Valley—a stunning championship course where networking meets friendly competition.
For those eager to dive into hands-on learning, our Pre-Conference Workshops offer two unique opportunities to expand your expertise. In “Unlocking the Urban Forest,” Dr. James Downer and Andy Trotter will lead an insightful session on tree recycling and the environmental, economic, and community benefits it offers. At the same time, the Women’s Climbing Experience at Fort Lowell Park will provide a space for women in arboriculture to develop their climbing skills and build confidence in a supportive and empowering environment. As the afternoon unfolds, we will come together for a tree risk walk with Dr. Jim Clark, followed by a meaningful ceremonial tree planting, a reminder of why we do what we do, as we plant the seeds for a sustainable future. Then, we will officially open the conference with an opening reception, where you can meet vendors, reconnect with old friends, and get a first look at the exciting innovations being showcased.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Kevin T. Smith from Maine, who will deliver a keynote address on "How Trees Resist Heat and Drought Stress." This session will delve into the remarkable adaptations that enable trees to thrive in extreme conditions, providing insights that will enhance our approach to tree selection and care.
Our Trade Show sold fast this year – it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with industry-leading exhibitors showcasing the latest tools, technologies, and services in arboriculture. The trade show offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions that can enhance your practice.
Throughout the week, renowned speakers and experts will lead us through thought-provoking discussions and presentations. Theresa Crimmins will explore how phenology—the study of seasonal changes—can enhance decision-making and strengthen community ties. Dr. Alex Hu will provide an in-depth look at tree diseases affecting Arizona’s urban landscapes, while Tucson Mayor Regina Romero will welcome us to her city and share its commitment to sustainability. Our Spanish-speaking community will have the opportunity to attend dedicated sessions, including Juan Francisco Gonzalez Castrejon and Sotero Garcia Valdez discussing tree transplant safety and processes in Mexico, and Frank Saldana offering a forward-thinking talk on the role of artificial intelligence in arboriculture.
A special highlight will be our Annual Awards Luncheon, where we take a moment to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to the field of arboriculture. It’s always a meaningful occasion, as we honor the individuals and teams who are making a difference in our industry and our communities.
In between sessions, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to visit exhibitors, enjoy refreshments, and engage in conversations that could lead to new collaborations, ideas, and professional growth.
Whether you are a seasoned arborist, an urban planner, a researcher, or a student just beginning your journey in arboriculture, the conference lineup is designed to challenge, educate, and inspire. As we leave the conference, we will do so with fresh ideas, new connections, and a deeper commitment to the trees and our profession.
Beyond the scheduled sessions, this conference is about connection—whether it’s an early-morning bird walk with the Tucson Audubon Society, starting your day with Yoga on the Sabino Vista, a lively happy hour with exhibitors, or simply an impromptu conversation over coffee with a fellow arborist. These moments make the experience memorable and often lead to lifelong friendships and professional partnerships. The take home messages further define our commitment to Grow, Connect and Lead. There is even a wonderfully curated non-arborist program that explores the city and personal style. Attendees are encouraged to invite their spouse or a guest to come along and discover all Tucson has to offer.
True leadership means making an impact beyond your daily work. We invite you to
Volunteer for Tree Planting & Education Programs either with the TreeCircus, community tree groups or even your kid’s school. Give back to the communities we serve and make a difference in the life of a budding arborist. Advocate for the Future of Urban Forestry – Help shape policies that protect our urban canopies. Nominate or Apply for WCISA Awards & Scholarships – Recognize excellence and support the next generation of arborists. Leaving a legacy is the best way to honor the industry we have grown together.
WCISA thrives because of you—your dedication, expertise, and passion for trees and the environment. I encourage you to keep Branching Out with us, taking advantage of the many opportunities available to grow, connect, and lead.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I look forward to seeing you in Tucson at the 91st Annual Conference and beyond!
Cheers to trees,
Rose Epperson
#growwithWCISA #Branchout #wcisaconnect #communitTREE #indusTREE #integriTREE