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All in for Arboriculture: From Need to Professional Development to Extension Program

Horticulture & Turfgrass

Bonnie Wells
Extension Agent III, Commercial Horticulture
University of Florida
Cocoa

Abstract

Trees have many social, environmental and economic benefits. Trees increase serenity and healing. They moderate temperatures, lower energy costs, increase property values, improve air quality, conserve water and support biodiversity. However, they can pose maintenance and safety risks if not properly managed. Therefore, professionals that are well-trained in all aspects of arboriculture are a much-needed resource for managing urban landscapes. The International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) Certified Arborist® program can meet this training need and adds another level of skill recognition for landscape maintenance professionals, golf course superintendents, parks employees, and Extension agents. As an Extension agent serving urban landscapes with little to no tree management experience, I was faced with the overlapping need for arboriculture training for myself and a need for an extension program for clientele. Therefore, I started an Arborist Certification Workshop in Brevard County with the objective to (1) increase the knowledge and adoption of tree care best management practices, (2) increase the number of ISA Certified Arborists® and (3) become a Certified Arborist® myself. With leadership from experienced ISA Certified Arborist® Extension agents, I organized and co-taught a two-day workshop that prepared attendees to take the ISA Certified Arborist® Exam. The exam was offered 2 weeks after the workshop. Ten ISA Certified Arborist® CEUs were offered for those seeking recertification. Total workshop reach was 29. Post participation survey results (n=27) indicated a consistent knowledge increase in all aspects of tree health care, including pruning, installation, integrated pest management, risk assessment, as well as an increase in confidence in taking the exam. Five out of nine individuals passed the exam and are now ISA Certified Arborists®. Since obtaining my Certified Arborist® recognition, I have expanded my arborist program to include golf course tree care and landscape palm management. These programs have reached an additional, 74 and 249 individuals respectively. I will discuss the outcomes and impacts of pursuing an arborist certification for professional development while building a program for clientele. This program is ongoing and adaptable to all states in the United States and beyond.

Authors: Bonnie Wells, Larry Figart, Prissy Fletcher, Dana Sussmann, Grantly Ricketts, Sally Scalera, Michael Orfanedes
  1. Bonnie Wells Extension Agent II, Commercial Horticulture, University of Florida /IFAS Extension Brevard County, Florida, 32926
  2. Larry Figart Urban Forestry Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County, Florida, 32254
  3. Prissy Fletcher Commercial Agriculture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County, Florida, 32092
  4. Dana Sussmann Senior Forester, Florida Forest Service, Florida, 32809
  5. Grantly Ricketts Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Florida, 34945
  6. Sally Scalera Urban and Residential Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, Florida, 32926
  7. Michael Orfanedes Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, Florida, 33314