President's Perspective - Winter 2024

By Sarah Maitland on Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Branching Out: Innovation in Arboriculture for a Sustainable Future

I hope you are all looking forward to the 91st WCISA Annual Conference in Tucson, AZ (April 22-25, 2025). Tucson offers stunning desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets, and a unique blend of culture and history. Attending the conference will be a great opportunity to learn, visit with colleagues, and make new friends. We held our October WCISA board meeting in Tucson at the Westin La Paloma, the location for our upcoming conference. There we continued working on revisions to the chapter’s policies and procedures.

I was also in Tucson in December attending the ASCA conference along with several other WCISA members. It was a great opportunity for learning. Epicenter management hosted a table to greet and inform people about the benefits of WCISA membership. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification was offered by ASCA after the conference, and I decided to take the course. I realized I had been neglecting the advancement of my career and I left Tucson on top of the world. I was excited and proud of my efforts – it felt so good to learn and challenge myself. I want you to feel the same.

I would like to encourage all of you to continue to advance careers in arboriculture. With the daily demands of our work, it’s easy to overlook investing in ourselves and advancing our education and credentials. Obtaining ISA certifications such as Certified Arborist, TRAQ, Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist, or BCMA is a worthy goal that will help you advance your career in the arboriculture industry. By committing to continuous learning and professional development, you not only enhance your skills, but you build self-confidence and satisfaction. You will be proud and feel good about yourself!

Where do you start? Decide what you want to accomplish and decide to do so! Are you looking to increase your knowledge, gain a leadership role, or build credentials to enhance your resume? Start by setting a clear goal. Choose one that aligns with your interests and your plans for the future. Once you’ve identified your goal, break it down into manageable steps. Determine your timeline.

Here are some tips:

  • Set aside a short amount of time each day to study. This adds up over the weeks and months.
  • Listen to educational podcasts, audiobooks, or recorded webinars while driving or during breaks.
  • Join a study group. Learning with peers gives you a sense of accountability and provides a support network to stay on track.
  • Use a calendar to schedule study sessions, making them as non-negotiable as client meetings.

We are all so busy with our jobs and families that it can feel impossible to find the time. Oddly enough, every time I feel overwhelmed and can’t seem to find the time, I add something to my plate. It takes my mind off the other demands and makes them seem easier. Increasing the load seems to work for me, but find a balance that works for you.

Success begins with small, consistent actions. Every step forward is worth celebrating. Let’s challenge ourselves to aim high, support and encourage each other, and reach our potential by embracing opportunities for advancement.

See you in Tucson!

Sarah K. Maitland, WCISA President 2024/25