Event Schedule

Noon - 2:00 PM

Process Driven Growth (CA 2, CAM 2, BCMAP 2, TNLA 2, TCIA 2)

Join industry experts Kristoffer Rasmussen (Arborist Strong), Drew Smith (HUB Arbor Group), and Andrew Wimmel (Sam Hill Tree Care) for a high-impact session designed to help you build a resilient, scalable tree care company.
This interactive presentation will explore how intentional systems, strategic use of industry resources, and a clear understanding of insurance and safety practices can drive long-term success.
We'll tackle critical questions:
• Do you fully understand your insurance coverages and exclusions?
• How does your MOD rate impact your workers’ comp premiums?
• What are the most statistically safe companies doing differently?
• How can documented training protect your business—and attract top talent?
Whether you’re an owner, manager, or aspiring leader, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen operations, improve safety, and grow with confidence.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

American Forests - The Tree Equity Revolution, Jamie King, American Forests (CA 2, CAM 2, BCMAM 2, TNLA 2)

Leaders in urban forestry are stretched between many competing priorities everyday and each moment is mission critical. This is why American Forests developed of the Tree Equity Handbook - a set of toolkits to empower partners in every step on their community's Tree Equity journey. Participants will:  learn about the toolkits  work with their peers to identify intersectional partners  develop collaborative strategies to reach and engage aligned organizations and leaders  connect with colleagues Learning objectives:  Recognize your unique role in leading and advancing change.  Engage your community with this free, accessible, and powerful tool.  Mobilize the “power of many” to amplify impact and drive action.

Using American Forests' free Tree Equity tools and resources, this session will introduce arborists to practical strategies for identifying communities in need, engaging stakeholders, fostering partnerships, working with city leadership and ultimately building community support for closing the tree canopy gap between neighborhoods. This session provides practical strategies for prioritizing environmental and social resilience for enhancing urban forest management to achieve Tree Equity. Participants will:

1) Learn to use American Forests' Tree Equity tools to identify communities most in need of urban forestry efforts.
2) Improve their strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and community involvement.
3) Identify methods for and developing and refining Tree Equity-focused urban forestry programs.

Note: Separate registration required, the deadline is August 22, 2024

Course Information

The TRAQ Renewal Course is a one-day refresher, with five hours of instruction, and three hours to take the exam. Current TRAQ holders can complete the course as early as three and one-half (3 1/2) years into their Qualification (18 months before your expiration date). If your Tree Risk Assessment Qualification expires between September 24, 2025, and March 24, 2027, you can register for this renewal. Once your current expiration date passes, you will need to retake the full course and assessment to be reinstated.

In Waco already? Join us for the Arborist Social tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Indian Springs Park, across from the Waco Convention Center. We have FREE food from a local favorite, Uncle Dan's Barbeque, and FREE drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). There is a vegetarian option also. Thanks to our Groundie Level Sponsors: Arborjet, LMNT, Osprey, PlanIT Geo, Townsend, and Western Certified Arborist

11:45am - 1:30pm Awards Luncheon

Brazos Hall - Everyone is welcome

1:30 - 2:15 PM - Prescription Pruning Qualification - Lindsey Purcell, LP Consulting Group, LLC (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

Prescriptive Pruning; how to get what you want for your trees- a process of evaluating tree conditions and preparing an objectives-based prescription before pruning a tree should be created in order to improve the quality of this tree care intervention. This presentation will describe a method of how to communicate tree conditions that concern the prescribing arborist, and which branches to prune to the arborists performing the work. Arborists can become more aware of how to manage owner’s objectives and identify which branches to prune to the production arborist performing the work. This new perspective will improve the quality and consistency of work creating better value for the tree owner and improved efficiencies in the crew.

2:15 - 3:00 PM - Prescription Pruning before PPQ - A Practitioner's Perspective - Sam Hill, Sam Hill Tree Care (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

Discover the challenges and sthttps://isatexas.com/page/sam-hill/rategies for overcoming them when integrating Prescription Pruning into your organization. Learn ways to educate your clients on the benefits of prescription pruning while also overcoming their concerns that their trees may not look exactly like their neighbor's. Learn to train your team to understand the biology and why it is worth the additional effort. And finally, learn to train your sales arborists to handle objections from a likely higher initial cost of pruning services.

3:00 - 3:30 PM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall

3:30 - 4:15 PM - Update on the ISA Tree Risk Assessment BMP and TRAQ program - Tom Smiley, F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co. (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA .5, TCIA .75)

A discussion of the changes to the ANSI A300 Standards, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices and the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification programs. This will include change in the documents and program as well as some of the research that goes into their development.

4:15 - 5:00 PM - Specialized Arboriculture and Advance Arborist Teams - Erick Navarro Palacios, International Arborist Institute (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA .5)

In this presentation we will discuss and breakdown the specialized skills, and knowledge that can help propel your team or yourself into different sectors of the arboriculture industry, from becoming and managing Advanced Specialized Arborist Teams, to providing Consulting, Utility Arboriculture, Commercial, even Safety Education and Training. In an ever-growing industry the value you provide will give you tools you need to help more than one tree at a time.

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Exhibitor Reception - Chisholm Hall

1:30 - 2:15 PM - Examining the impacts of urban tree structure and condition on adult depression in the United States - Dr Puneet Dwivedi, Clemson University (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAP, TNLA .5, TCIA .75)

Urbanization leads to dense development and high population density. Both factors cause stress and negatively impact the quality of life of city dwellers. In response, a growing body of research has examined the association between urban trees and human health, in general and psychological well-being, in particular. The existing literature mostly focuses on tree canopy; therefore, questions regarding the effects of specific tree characteristics (e.g., crown dieback, tree with damage, and leaf area) on mental health are largely unanswered. Our study examines the association between adult depression and tree structure and condition metrics in ten cities across the United States. Adult depression data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and individual tree structure and condition data were calculated using the Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis Program. The linear mixed-effects model showed a positive relationship between depression and tree crown-dieback percentage (p = 0.03). Understanding the interplay between individual tree characteristics and adult depression can inform urban planning, design, and maintenance practices.

2:15 - 3:00 PM - Engaging Communities in Urban Forestry For Biodiversity and Urban Tree Health - Dr. Darrell K. Street, TIGUAR Urban Forestry Consulting, LLC (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA .5)

Focus on strategies for engaging communities in urban forestry initiatives and promoting tree care awareness. Share insights on effective urban forestry management, including tree selection, planting, and maintenance.

3:00 - 3:30 PM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall

3:30 - 4:15 PM - Urban Green Spaces and the Seeds of City Resilience - Lillian Grace Dinkins, University of Florida (PhD Candidate) (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA .5)

This research explores the intersection of urban forestry and city resilience. We examine how local organizations contribute to building resilient cities through greening initiatives. Grounded in the City Resilience Framework (CRF) the study investigates how organizations perceive their ability to promote environmental The study is guided by the following research questions, which examine how resilience is defined, enacted, and sustained through organizational strategies and community-based initiatives: How do organizations define city resilience in their work? How do organizations assess their capacity to contribute to city resiliency? What barriers do organizations face? How are diverse community stakeholders engaged in greening efforts? What metrics are used to evaluate success, and how is impact measured over time? Focusing on two CRF dimensions—Infrastructure & Environment and Leadership & Strategy—this research evaluates how urban forestry initiatives address climate adaptation, community engagement, and strategic planning. The findings will offer practical insights for improving urban forestry strategies, advancing tree equity, and fostering sustainable urban environments through community-centered approaches that will strengthen city resilience.

4:15 - 5:00 PM -The Importance of Ethics - ISA’s Credentialing Codes of Conduct - Caitlyn Pollihan, Executive Director ISA (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA .5)

Learn more about ISA’s Certified Arborist and Board Certified Master Arborist Codes of Conduct and why they are so important. How do those codes benefit the certification holders and how does the ISA manage violations and issues when they arise.

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Exhibitor Reception - Chisholm Hall

1:30 - 2:15 PM - Riparian Woods, Texas Blackland Prairie, the Successional Grassland/Mesquite That Connect the Two and The Wildlife Communities that Call it Home - Barbara Wiley, Monarch Gateway 501c3 (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

Presentation of project that began as restoration of farmed Blackland soils, introduction of pollinator host and nectar plants, and an NRCS requirement to reduce successional mesquite on future Blackland Prairie habitat restoration. What followed was a 10+ year engineered plan utilizing key indicator plants to signal mycorrhizae reproduction necessary for prairie restoration. Native mycorrhizae was grown onsite. Year-over-year successional plant , insect and mammal species inventories used to measure improvement. Successes, failures and lessons learned. Brief intro to the vascular plant propagation methodology used in this labor of love.

2:15 - 3:00 PM - Tree Worker Safety: A review of incidents and the new Z133 - Dr John Ball, South Dakota State University (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAM, TNLA .5, TCIA .75)

Tree work is among the highest risk professions in the United States. This session will cover the most common fatal and nonfatal incidents and the standards in the Z133-2025 that, if followed, should help to reduce their frequency and severity.

3:00 - 3:30 PM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall

3:30 - 4:15 PM - Zoo Browse - Chris Martin,OG&E - Oklahoma Gas and Electric (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

This presentation will discuss OG&E's partnership with the Oklahoma City Zoo and how we have been able to provide educational and environmental benefits to the customers we serve. It will also discuss the impacts this program provides for the zoo staff, animals and customers.

4:15 - 5:00 PM - A look at the new Z133 Electrical Hazards standard - Dr. John Ball, South Dakota State University (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAM, TNLA .5, TCIA .75)

The new Z133-2025 has go through a major revision. The section that has seen the most changes is Electrical Hazards. This session will cover the major revisions - the introduction of arborist levels for working in the vicinity of electrical supply or communication lines - along with the new RF standard.

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Exhibitor Reception - Chisholm Hall

1:30 - 2:15 PM -Throwline Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Arborists, Dustin Goodman, Tree Care TXK and Jimmy Pritchard, Integrity Tree Care (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

• Gear Overview: Understanding throwlines, weights, storage systems, and launchers
• Basic Throwing Techniques: Manual throws (two hand, one hand, sidearm) and body mechanics for accuracy
• Advanced Setups: Isolating crotches, multiple tie-in strategies, and managing canopy obstructions
• Line Management: Tangling prevention, tips for smooth deployment, and throwline organization
• Field-Proven Tricks: Time-saving hacks and troubleshooting common issues like hang-ups or shot deflection

2:15 - 3:00 PM -Tie-In Point Selection and Anchor Options for Arborists, Dustin Goodman, Tree Care TXK and Jimmy Pritchard, Integrity Tree Care (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

• Evaluating TIPs:
  • Visual and tactile inspections
  • Understanding tree structure and load distribution
  • Common defects to avoid (included bark, decay, poor unions)
• Anchor Types and Configurations:
  • Basal Anchors vs. Canopy Anchors:
    • When to use each, and how they affect system efficiency and rescue accessibility
    • Load path considerations, friction management, and force distribution
    • Common configurations for both moving and stationary rope systems
    • Benefits and limitations of anchoring from the ground versus the canopy
• Decision-Making Factors:
  • Job scope, tree species, condition, and climbing style
  • Rescue access, escape plans, and team communication
  • Adapting anchors to the dynamic needs of the worksite

3:00 - 3:30 PM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall

3:30 - 4:15 PM - Ascent Methods, Tips, and Tricks for Arborists, Dustin Goodman, Tree Care TXK and Jimmy Pritchard, Integrity Tree Care (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

• MRS Ascent Fundamentals
  • Basic foot locking, hip thrust, and body thrust techniques
  • Friction management and system efficiency
• SRS Ascent Options
  • Rope-walking systems and hybrid methods for vertical ascent
  • Use of mechanical devices such as foot and knee ascenders
  • Considerations for system compatibility, friction reduction, and transition to work positioning
• Ascent Optimization
  • Throwline accuracy and redirect integration
  • Ergonomic climbing posture and energy conservation
  • Tips for gear organization and minimizing fatigue

4:15 - 5:00 PM - Everyday Rigging — Techniques, Forces, and Smart System Design for Arborists, Dustin Goodman, Tree Care TXK and Jimmy Pritchard, Integrity Tree Care (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

• Vector Forces & Rope Angles:
  • Understanding directional force and how angles impact anchor loading
• Redirects:
  • When and why to use them, and how they affect load distribution
• Mechanical Advantage:
  • Simple vs. compound systems and when to implement force-reducing techniques
• System Planning:
  • Adapting rigging to tree structure, wood weight, drop zone constraints, and crew support

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Exhibitor Reception - Chisholm Hall

1:30 - 2:15 PM - La Poda Especializados para Arboristas - Advanced Specialized Pruning for Specialized Arborist - Erick Navarro Palacios, International Arborist Institute (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

In this presentation we will discuss specialized pruning and pruning techniques. This presentation is for senior and for apprentice arborist. With so many tree companies out there, it is important that we hold our code of ethics to a high standard. We will discuss specialized tree work for high end clients and high-end Arborist to provide higher quality tree care

En esta presentación, abordaremos la poda especializada y sus técnicas. Está dirigida a arboristas experimentados y aprendices. Con tantas empresas de arboricultura, es fundamental que mantengamos un código de ética riguroso. Analizaremos el trabajo especializado en arboricultura para clientes y arboristas de alto nivel, con el fin de brindar un cuidado de árboles de alta calidad.

2:15 - 3:00 PM - Identificación y Manejo de la Marchitamiento del Roble/Encino en Texas - Identification and Management of Oak Wilt in Texas - Mark Duff, Mark Duff Consulting (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAS, TNLA .5)

Identification, biology, treatments and containment efforts for oak wilt will be discussed. The chemical treatment, trench barriers, disease cycle and prevention measures are highlighted.

3:00 - 3:30 PM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall

3:30 - 4:15 PM -Actualización sobre EAB (escarabajo esmeralda del fresno)- Hector Marines-Chio, Texas A&M Forest Service (.75 CEU - CA, M, CTC, BCMAS, TNLA .5)

El barrenador esmeralda del fresno es un insecto increíblemente dañoso para las poblaciones de fresnos. Además de atacar el floema, mata las hojas entre dos años tras un infestación. Los arboristas deben tener precaución cuando trabajan cerca de un fresno que muestre signos de infestación por el barrenador esmeralda. Esta presentación explica todos los impactos del barrenador esmeralda del fresno en la vida humana y la conservación.

4:15 - 5:00 PM - An Arborists’ Review of Soil Science / Una Introducción de la Ciencia del Suelo desde la Perspectiva de un Arbolista - Francisco Sicilia, Rainbow Ecoscience (.75 CEU - CA, M, CTC, BCMAM, TNLA .5)

Abstract Healthy trees begin beneath the surface—and thrive through invisible partnerships beneath our feet. This presentation explores the essential role of soil in arboriculture, with a special emphasis on the living, breathing ecosystem that supports tree health. Attendees will uncover how soil texture and structure influence root development, nutrient uptake, and water dynamics. We’ll also uncover the vital interaction between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, and soil microorganisms, a powerful symbiosis with the trees. These microscopic allies play a transformative role around the rhizosphere, enhancing nutrient exchange, improving stress tolerance, and shaping the long-term health of trees. Whether you're an arborist seeking to deepen your expertise or simply intrigued by the underground world that sustains our forests, this session will equip you with science-based insight to better understand and steward the soil beneath our urban and natural canopies. Sinopsis Los árboles saludables comienzan bajo la superficie, y prosperan gracias a asociaciones invisibles bajo nuestros pies. Esta presentación explora el papel esencial del suelo en la arboricultura, con un énfasis especial en el ecosistema vivo y dinámico que sostiene la salud de los árboles. Los participantes descubrirán cómo la textura y estructura del suelo influyen en el desarrollo de las raíces, la absorción de nutrientes y la dinámica del agua. También se cubriremos la interacción vital entre las raíces de las plantas, los hongos micorrícicos y los microorganismos del suelo: una simbiosis poderosa con los árboles. Estos aliados microscópicos desempeñan un papel transformador en la rizosfera, mejorando el intercambio de nutrientes, aumentando la tolerancia al estrés y moldeando la salud a largo plazo de los árboles. Ya sea que seas un arborista buscando profundizar tus conocimientos o simplemente te intrigue el mundo subterráneo que sostiene nuestros bosques, esta sesión te brindará información científica para comprender y cuidar mejor el suelo bajo nuestros dosales urbanos y naturales.

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Exhibitor Reception - Chisholm Hall

What a great day! Take a break from learning to attend the Exhibitor Reception in Chisholm Hall from 5pm to 7pm. Drinks and food are provided and we'll play a fun game of "Heads or Tails" that supports Research and Scholarships. Don't forget to check the Silent Auction bids so you can win your item. It is a great time to buy books from the bookstore! Thanks to our Climber Level Sponsors: Bartlett Tree Care, Brabandt Equipment, Davey Resource Group, and Tree Service Kings.

8:00 - 9:00 AM - Re-establishing lost ecosystem services in urban forest: A literary review, framework, and case study - Benjamin Domer, City of Austin - PARD Urban Forestry (1 CEU - CA, M, BCMAP, TNLA, TCIA)

Despite the multitude of research on the ecological benefit of woody debris within forest ecosystems, urban arboriculture practices traditionally eliminate woody debris from urban forests. Without interference, trees live three ecological lives that each provide innumerable ecosystem services: live, dead and standing, and fallen dead. In an urban setting trees are often removed during their first ecological life, or at the beginning of their second one. This presentation will illuminate many of the lost ecosystem services due to modern arboriculture practices, offer management alternatives to retain those services, put forth a decision-making framework for forest managers to use that encourages ecologically minded practices, and present a case study of a park in Austin, Texas where that framework was applied to trees that have been maintained using current practices.

9:00 - 10:00 AM - Tools and Strategies to Help Arborists Effectively Engage Communities and achieve Tree Equity - Jake Simon, American Forests (1 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA)

Using American Forests' free Tree Equity tools and resources, this session provides municipal arborists practical strategies for identifying communities in need, engaging stakeholders, fostering partnerships, working with city leadership and ultimately building community support for closing the tree canopy gap between neighborhoods. This session provides practical strategies for prioritizing environmental and social resilience to enhance urban forest management and achieve Tree Equity. Key takeaways for attendees: *Learn to use American Forests' Tree Equity tools to identify communities most in need of urban forestry efforts. *Improve their strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and community involvement. *Identify methods for developing and refining Tree Equity-focused urban forestry programs.

10:00 - 10:30 AM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall - Silent Auction Closes

10:30 - 11:15 AM - Trees at Work and the National Canopy Analysis - A Historic Investment in Measuring the Urban Canopy in the US - Russ Warnock, PlanitGeo (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA .5, TCIA)

This presentation will explore the Federally funded urban tree canopy analysis at treecanopy.us and how this tool can support communities across the US.

11:15 - 12:00 PM - Texas Tested, Texas Tough: Supplying Hardy Trees for the Urban Landscape - James Campos, Texas A&M Forest Service (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

The Urban Tree Improvement Program (UTIP) at Texas A&M Forest Service supplies hardy, native trees specifically selected to thrive in the challenging conditions of urban landscapes. For over 50 years, UTIP has evaluated and developed superior tree lines, culminating in the Texas Tested, Texas Tough label—applied to trees descended from proven genetic sources that withstand drought, heat, and pests. This presentation will introduce the UTIP program and highlight how municipalities can access resilient, locally adapted seedlings, while nurseries can obtain high-quality seed and/or seedlings from established orchards to support long-term urban tree success.

8:00 - 9:00 AM - Oops, I Sprouted Again: Epicormic Growth After Pruning a Tree - Liz Westburg, Growth Solutions (1 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAP, TNLA, TCIA)

Epicormic buds begin to sprout shortly after tree pruning is complete. This talk delves into the basics of the science behind the cause of rapid post-pruning regrowth and what is actually occurring in the tree. Most importantly, we will take a look at specific control methods that can be used to minimize aggressive resprouting, including chemical options and specific pruning practices. While examples in this talk are all from utility arboriculture, these practices will aid in any structural pruning efforts.

9:00 - 10:00 AM - AI/GPT uses in UVM - Phil Swart, ArborWorks, LLC. (1 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAM, TNLA, TCIA)

This session explores how large language models—like ChatGPT—are quietly reshaping utility vegetation management. It will offer real-world examples of how AI tools can assist with everything from incident reporting, simplifying regulatory compliance, and crafting better RFPs. Geared toward professionals of all technical levels, the presentation focuses on practical prompts, field-ready use cases, and ways to start incorporating LLMs into your workflow today.

10:00 - 10:30 AM - Break with Exhibitors - Chisholm Hall - Silent Auction Closes

10:30 - 11:15 AM - Weather at CenterPoint Energy - Matt Lanza, CenterPoint Energy (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

This presentation will discuss some of the new weather tools we are using to monitor and prepare for severe weather events at CenterPoint, including a look at our weather sensor network build out.

11:15 - 12:00 PM - The Power of Effective Communication in Conflict Resolution - Jeff Palvado, Wright Tree Service (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAM, TNLA .5, TCIA .75)

Discover how effective communication can de-escalate tension, foster understanding, and transform conflict into collaboration by turning challenges into opportunities for growth and stronger relationships.

8:00 - 9:00 AM - Introducción a la evaluación de riesgos de los árboles (Introduction to tree risk assessment in Trees) - Beau Brodbeck, Auburn University (1 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAM, TNLA, TCIA)

Esta presentación revisará las mejores prácticas de gestión de la ISA para la evaluación de riesgos de árboles. Se centrará en la evaluación básica de riesgo de árboles de nivel 2, que incluye factores de ubicación y carga, así como defectos en la copa, el tronco y las raíces. Los asistentes comprenderán el funcionamiento de este método y los tipos de defectos que preocupan al paisaje urbano.

9:00 - 10:00 AM - La Importancia de los Electrolitos y Como Identificar el Agotamiento/Burnout y Que Hacer. - Carolina Paredes, Beast Coast Tree Climbers LLC (1 CEU - CA, M, BCMAM, TNLA, TCIA)

Los electrolitos son minerales esenciales que juegan un papel crucial en muchas funciones corporales, incluyendo el equilibrio de líquidos, la función nerviosa y muscular, y la regulación del pH del cuerpo. Mantener un equilibrio adecuado de electrolitos es fundamental para la salud general y el bienestar. Falta de electrolitos a largo plazo contribuye a el agotamiento.

10:00 - 10:30 AM - Break with Exhibitors - Silent Auction Closes

10:30 - 11:15 AM - Plantando Viveros para Todos - Vít Kašpar, and Héctor González TreeFolks (.75 CEU - CA, M, BCMAP, TNLA .5)

Austin necesita millones de árboles para combatir el cambio climático, mitigar los riesgos de inundación y revertir la pérdida de biodiversidad causada por la expansión urbana. Pero, ¿dónde obtendremos los árboles para hacerlo? Los viveros comerciales no suelen plantar los tipos de árboles que están adaptados a prosperar en nuestro suelo y clima del centro de Tejas.

¡Es por esto que TreeFolks inició su propio vivero en el 2023! Este proyecto fortalecerá nuestra meta de plantar más árboles para todos. El Vivero de Especies Nativas de Semillas a Árboles (Seed-to-Trees Native Nursery por su nombre en inglés) es posible gracias a nuestra alianza con los Cuidadores de Semillas del Centro de Tejas (Central Texas Seed Savers, nombre en inglés). Aparte de fomentar la biodiversidad con este tipo de especies, ¡también ayudamos a que la gente inicie sus propios viveros en casa!

En esta presentación conocerás los métodos que TreeFolks sigue con su vivero. Desde cómo obtenemos las semillas de especies locales, la manera en que las preparamos para plantarlas y como las criamos para utilizarlas para nuestros proyectos de reforestación en el Centro de Tejas. Colaborando con otras organizaciones y motivando a nuestros voluntarios, germinamos más de 15,000 semillas en nuestro primer año y 30,000 en el 2025, contando con más de 40 especies. Estas semillas crecieron de manera exitosa y fueron utilizadas como árboles jóvenes para nuestros esfuerzos de crear más áreas verdes en Austin. Lo más importante, ¡educamos a la gente de la ciudad para que ellos empiecen sus propios viveros!

11:15 - 12:00 PM - English: An Ounce of Safety Beats a Pound of Regret Spanish: Una Onza de Seguridad Vale Más que una libra de Arrepentimiento - Ranferi Lopez-Garcia, Pannell Co. (.75 CEU - CA, U, M, CTC, BCMAM, TNLA .5, TCIA .75)

English: Lessons from our industry on the importance of working safely and making it home to those who matter most. Spanish: Lecciones de nuestra industria sobre la importancia de trabajar con seguridad y regresar a casa con quienes más importan.

 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Spanish Tree School (6 CEUs - CA, U, M, CTC, TNLA, TCIA, BCMAS 1, BCMAP 5)

Spanish Tree School is 6 hours long and includes outdoor tree climbing demonstrations and indoor presentations: *Climbing Procedures + Safe Tree Work + First Aid Response + Arial Rescue; *Pruning Techniques; *Oak Wilt; *Cabling + Bracing + Lightning Protection; *Urban Trees.

La Escuela de Árboles tiene una duración de 6 horas e incluye demostraciones de la trepa de árboles y presentaciones educativas: *Procedimientos de La Trepa + Trabajo Seguro + Primeros Auxilios + Rescate Aéreo; *Técnicas de Poda; *Marchitez del Roble; *Cableado + Refuerzos + Protección Contra Rayos; *Árboles Urbanos.

The instructors are: Los instructores son:

Erick Palacios,  International Arborist Institute

Mark Duff. Mark Duff Consulting

Bill Green, Texas A&M Forest Service 

 9:00 am - 3:30 pm English Tree School (6 CEUs - CA, U, M, CTC, TNLA, TCIA, BCMAS 1, BCMAP 5)

9:00- Biology Basics (instructor Paul Johnson): What is Arboriculture?

Basic Taxonomy; Basic A&P (tissue ID, movement of water & nutrients, photosynthesis and respiration); Reaction growth responses; Details on CODIT

10:00- Break (15 minute)

10:15- Tree decay fungi identification, job briefing components (part 2) (Paul)

10:45- Tree Pruning (Paul/Jimmy):

 Intro to CODIT (to be further discussed in Biology)

 Branch collars, reduction pruning, injurious pruning

             Freeze damage tree response and pruning – time permitting

12:00- Lunch

12:30- General work safety (instructor: Jimmy): 

Fatality statistics, fatality categories, root causes of fatalities and injuries, creating a habit of safety, ergonomics, key ANSI “Z” standards, job briefing components, work zone protocol Tree and site hazard assessment

1:35- Outdoor Demonstrations- weather permitting (otherwise limited indoor) (Jimmy)

            Site, tree and equipment inspection.

            Throwline tips; Friction saver installation and use.

            Groundman responsibilities

Ascent techniques: multiple DdRT and SRT techniques.

Work positioning techniques.

3:30- Ceu Sign-up, class dismissed.