The mission of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is to develop, advance, and disseminate scientific knowledge, improve agricultural productivity and environmental quality, protect plants, and enhance human health and well-being through research for the benefit of Connecticut residents and the nation. Seeking solutions across a variety of disciplines for the benefit of urban, suburban, and rural communities, Station scientists remain committed to "Putting Science to Work for Society", a motto as relevant today as it was at our founding in 1875.
An arborist license is required for persons advertising, soliciting or contracting to do arboriculture in Connecticut. As defined in the arborist law, “arboriculture means any work done for hire to improve the condition of fruit, shade, or ornamental trees by feeding or fertilizing, or by pruning, trimming, bracing, treating cavities or other methods of improving tree conditions, or protecting trees from damage from insects or diseases or curing these conditions by spraying or any other method.” The licensed arborist is a supervisory pesticide applicator, with respect to the use of pesticides. For all intents and purposes “certificate” means “license.”
ct dept. of energy and environmental protection - urban forestry program
The Urban Forestry Program provides opportunities for municipalities, organizations, and individuals to become engaged in effective urban forestry activities. An important goal of the program is improved care and maintenance of the urban forest.
The CTPA is a non-profit educational association dedicated to trees and to advancing the care of trees in Connecticut. The organization was formed on August 16, 1922 on the heels of legislation establishing the “tree expert” licensing requirement in the state. Tree experts are now called ‘arborists’ and the legislation the 'Arborist Law'.
The Tree Wardens' Association of Connecticut, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating tree wardens and others about tree wardens roles and responsibilities (in the proper care and control of ornamental trees, shade trees, and shrubs for the purpose of assuring their continued preservation and natural beauty) through education and advocacy.
UConn Extension Forestry – Urban and Community Forestry
Connecticut's urban and community forests provide a host of benefits, but in many communities, perhaps even your own, this essential resource has been neglected and is unhealthy. You may decide that you want to do something about it. Don't be afraid to tackle such a project. You need not be a politician, a community planner or a forester, but you do need to be motivated and committed. Ordinary people in cities and small towns across the country are changing the very face of their communities by working in "biological partnership" with their forests and are improving the health of our planet through local action.
Anyone performing arborist services in Maine must first obtain an arborist license. An arborist license allows an individual to work independently in arboriculture. Candidates for an arborist license must pass a test in either landscape, utility or both categories demonstrating knowledge, skill and capability to safely and professionally provide arborist services to the public.
An Arborist Apprentice Permit (PDF 65KB) is available to provide on the job training for new arborists; however, this is a training permit only and not a license to practice independently.No test is required to obtain an Arborist Apprentice Permit; those applying for a permit must work under the direct supervision of a licensed arborist.
The Division of Animal and Plant Health consists of the former divisions of Animal Health and Industy, Plant Industry, as well as the Animal Welfare Program and the Board of Pesticides Control. The Division has now expanded to include the Nutrient Management Program and Agricultural Compliance.
Some of the responsibilities of the Division are to:
Protect the state’s plant resources from the introduction and spread of regulated insects and diseases; Prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases among poultry and livestock; Ensure the proper and humane treatment of animals; Ensure the proper management of farm nutrients; Investigate agricultural-related complaints; Enforce pesticide laws in Maine.
The Maine Forest Service works to ensure that the trees and forest lands of Maine will continue to provide benefits for present and future generations of Maine people.
The Maine Forest Service does this by:
Developing, advocating for, and promoting activities that encourage the sound long term management of Maine's forest resources.
Protecting Maine's forest resources from the effects of fire, insects, disease and misuse.
Providing accurate, relevant, and timely information about Maine's forest resources
A collaboration between the Maine Forest Service and GrowSmart Maine, Project Canopy is Maine's urban and community forestry program. Our Mission: Create and maintain healthy urban and community forests for or economic, ecological, and quality of life benefits for Mainers.
Project Canopy works to keep Maine's communities green and liveable by working with municipalities and non-profits to help manage public tree resources. Through our grant program and technical assistance, we promote planting and maintaining of trees in Maine communities. Whether we support planting street trees downtown or a management plan development for town forests, Project Canopy works to help Maine communities stay leafy and green.
The Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA) is a professional trade organization that serves the commercial arboriculture industry. The MAA advances the goals of its tree service professional members through tree care education, research support, arborist certification and promotion of the value of arboriculture to the public.
Massachusetts Tree Wardens & Foresters Association
The Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association was founded in 1913 as a forum for municipal tree managers to share their concerns and to promote the preservation of public shade trees. The organization's mission in 2013 expanded to encompass preservation of the entire urban and community forest.
The Massachusetts Urban and Community Forestry Program assists communities and nonprofit groups in protecting, growing, and managing community trees and forest ecosystems, with the ultimate aim of improving the environment and enhancing livability of all of Massachusetts' communities. We provide grants, technical assistance, training, and recognition awards to communities of all sizes throughout Massachusetts. The program also provides guidance on urban forestry policy issues at the state level.
UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program
The UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Team's mission is to educate landscape, nursery and turf professionals by providing programs and research-based information on the best horticultural practices and technology for environmental stewardship in nursery and landscape management.
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture is central to the mission of the University of Massachusetts. We build upon a historical tradition and public commitment to support sustainable local, national, and global agriculture through research and education in economic vitality, environmental integrity, and social justice of sustainable landscape and agricultural systems.
The New Hampshire Arborists Association tests and certifies new arborists in New Hampshire. In addition, the association promotes and encourages continuing education in arboriculture and provides a means of professional self-improvement for those arborists working in the tree care field through meetings, educational programs, and newsletters.
Forests and Lands is a Division of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED). As stewards of New Hampshire's forests and related resources, the Division of Forests and Lands protects and promotes the values provided by trees, forests, and natural communities.
The Division of Forests and Lands has a three-pronged program for providing community forestry assistance. The first is through Division staff that assist communities with the management of their Town Forests, training of municipal employees, and planning for their natural resources. The second is the Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth. This facility has been in operation since 1977. The Center consists of 182 acres of gardens, trails, and forestry demonstrations areas, as well as a conference center. The third is the Shieling Forest in Peterborough. This facility has been in operation since 1980. Shieling Forest consists of 47 acres of forests, fields, trails, wildflower garden, and forestry demonstration areas. Informational and educational programs, workshops, and conferences are available to the public and resource professionals on a regular basis.
UNH Cooperative Extension (UNHCE) brings information and education into the communities of the Granite State to help make New Hampshire’s individuals, businesses, and communities more successful and its natural resources healthy and productive. UNHCE maintains an extensive website and holds informative programming throughout the year at many locations around the state.
UVM Extension integrates higher education, research and outreach to help Vermonters put knowledge to work in their families and homes, farms and businesses, towns and the natural environment. Faculty and staff, located in offices around the state, help improve the quality of life of Vermonters through research-based educational programs and practical information.
The Mission of VT Urban & Community Forestry is too lead citizens, businesses, and governments in understanding the value of urban and community forests and to promote civic responsibility for and participation in the stewardship of these resources for this and future generations.
The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation practices and encourages high quality stewardship of Vermont’s forested landscape and outdoor recreation.
RINLA members are professionals, who take pride in their work and uphold the highest standards in horticulture, environmental practices, agriculture and the landscape business. Members are licensed, certified, insured and continue to advance their knowledge as technology, research and practices develop.
The mission of the RI Tree Council is to create healthy urban and community forests, which underpin the state’s verdant ecological tapestry, to support its vibrant economy, and to enrich the lives of all Rhode Islanders.
Rhode Island requires that all practitioners of arboriculture be licensed. The Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator oversees the licensing and exams for arborists working in RI. This includes all Tree Wardens, as defined in RI General Law § 2-14. In 2019 there were more than 700 arborists licensed in RI. Exams are offered several times per year and require pre-registration and payment of an exam fee.
Urban forestry is the careful and purposeful management of urban forests, i.e., tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. An urban forest is a collection of trees (and related plants and natural resources) in a community including street and yard trees, park trees, and those in newly expanding suburbs.
As part of the nationwide land grant university system, and Cooperative Extension in particular, the Extension Outreach Center provides a window to the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) and Cooperative Extension through which citizens, communities, government agencies and businesses can access research-generated knowledge and obtain assistance to address a broad range of socioeconomic issues.
Through research, technology, and education, the International Society of Arboriculture promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees.
A TRADITION OF PROFESSIONALISM
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has served the tree care industry for 90 years as a scientific and educational organization. ISA was founded in 1924 when a group of 40 individuals, each engaged in a phase of tree work or research, were called together by the Connecticut Tree Protection Examining Board to discuss shade tree problems and their possible solutions. It was during this meeting that the group identified a need for gathering tree care information and for providing a means for its dissemination. The National Shade Tree Conference was founded soon after.
The National Shade Tree Conference experienced gradual growth until 1929, when the economy in the United States collapsed and membership in the young organization sank to 14 and continued to look bleak for several years. In 1936, membership experienced a spike and grew from 33 to 147. With few exceptions, steady growth has been seen every year since.
Due to its influence and membership spreading beyond the borders of the United States, the organization changed its name to the International Shade Tree Conference in 1968. Only a few years later, in 1976, in order to more accurately reflect its broadening scope, the name was again changed, this time to the International Society of Arboriculture.
ISA continues to be a dynamic medium through which arborists around the world share their experience and knowledge for the benefit of society. ISA is aligned on many fronts with other green organizations and is working hard to foster a better understanding of trees and tree care through research and the education of professionals as well as global efforts to inform tree care consumers.
Urban forests make up a small percentage of forests in the United States, but are a key component of where most of the population lives and recreates on a daily basis. The Urban Forestry Framework project, tested first in Chicago, addresses urban forest vulnerability for cities across the Midwest and Northeast regions, and creates tools to help local managers adapt to the effects of climate change.
i-Tree Software Tools for Assessing and Managing Community Trees
i-Tree Software Suite
i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the USDA Forest Service that provides urban and rural forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. The i-Tree Tools help communities of all sizes to strengthen their forest management and advocacy efforts by quantifying the structure of trees and forests, and the environmental services that trees provide. Use i-Tree to help you communicate the value of trees!
i-Tree Tools are in the public domain and are freely accessible.
i-Tree Tools include:
MyTree (web/mobile): Aquick and easy mobile tool allowing you to explore the benefits provided by the trees near you.
Landscape (web-based): Regional analyses of tree benefits in minutes for neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, and more.
Design(web/mobile): Parcel-level analysis for current and future tree benefits.
Canopy (web-based): Quickly estimate tree canopy and benefits using aerial maps.
Eco (desktop app): The flagship i-Tree tool for inventory and analysis. Structure, Environmental Effects, & Value.
Hydro(desktop app): Explore the effects of tree canopy on water quantity and quality.
Visit the website to download the entire suite of i-Tree applications for your desktop.
The ISA Online Learning Center is your portal to learning and professional development in the field of arboriculture. Here, you will find training courses such as the Introduction to Arboriculture Interactive Series as well as new courses on a variety of topics. Now, no matter where you are located, continuing education is available online 24 hours a day.
In addition to the New England Chapter ISA Job Listings, here are some additional job boards for arboriculture, urban forestry, and forestry positions around the United States.
TREE Fund works to sustain the world’s urban forests by providing funding for scientific research, education programs, and scholarships related to arboriculture and urban forestry.
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to TREE Fund - Tree Research & Education Endowment Fund whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
The Tour des Trees, an annual weeklong, 500 to 600-mile cycling adventure, is the primary public outreach and engagement event of Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund). Since 1992 Tour riders have cycled to communities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K, planting trees, educating children and shining a light on the work done by arboriculture professionals and the importance of science-based tree care. The Tour serves to advance TREE Fund's mission to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge in arboriculture and urban forestry.
The TCIA develops safety and education programs, standards of tree care practice and management information for tree and landscape firms around the world. We provide continuing education, training, conferences and publications to promote the safe and appropriate practice of tree care.
TreesAreGood.org is an educational website providing homeowners and other tree owners with reliable information regarding the benefits of trees and how to properly care for trees in an urban environment. Consumers have a responsibility to care for the trees at their homes and in our communities to ensure sustainability. This website is intended to equip consumers with the ability to recognize the value of trees, the need for proper tree care, and the benefits of trees to the environment. It provides the information necessary for consumers to make informed decisions when hiring tree care providers.
U.S. Forest Service
The United States Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres. USFS has job opportunities, grant opportunities, and more.
The TickEncounter Resource Center promotes tick-bite protection and tickborne disease prevention by engaging, educating, and empowering people to take action.
Clearinghouse for information on urban and community forestry, including research, case studies, and an urban forestry toolkit. Maintained by the USDA Forest Service, American Forests, and the National Association of Regional Councils.
Free webinars and webcasts can be an opportunity to learn (and earn CEUs) from anywhere. Many organizations offer monthly live and on-demand webinars, covering a variety of topics helpful for arborists and urban foresters. For webinars that do not offer pre-approved ISA CEUs, but that covered content in the ISA exam domains, you can apply for post-approval credit.
Check the websites below for dates, times, and CEU information and check our calendar for specific opportunities.
Interested in a career in arboriculture? The IL Chapter of ISA put together this amazing video introducing the different careers in arboriculture. Check it out!
ISA will award 5-10 student finalists with a free conference registration and three nights of hotel accommodations for the ISA International Conference and Tradeshow.
New England Chapter ISA Shigo Student Support Funds
The purpose of the Shigo Student Support Fund is to provide grants to students endeavoring to deepen their knowledge of arboriculture through participation in trainings, conferences, workshops, and other events. For details and to download a request for click here.
Scholarship - Cape Cod Landscape Association Scholarship
CCLA offers three different opportunities for scholarships: The Mike Stacy Memorial Scholarship, CCLA Toolship Award, and the CCLA Membership Scholarship. Scholarships range from $1,500-$5,000. All applications must be received by April 25th.
Scholarship - Massachusetts Arborists Association Gordon & Frances King Scholarship
Available for incoming students enrolling full-time in the four-year Urban Forestry program at UMass, or in the two-year Arboriculture and Park Management program at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Please visit the organization’s website for current requirements and deadlines.
Scholarship - New England Chapter ISA Student Scholarships
The New England Chapter offers three $2,500 scholarship each year to students pursuing an education in fields of study dedicated to arboriculture, urban forestry, and related fields. One scholarship is open to high school seniors. Click here for details and to download an application.
Two scholarships available: The NHLA Scholarship and the The Ruth E. & Leon E. Pearson Memorial Scholarship. Please visit the organization’s website for current requirements and deadlines.