15th Annual Great NC Tree Conference
09-25-2024 - 09-27-2024
September 25-27, 2024
Digging Deeper: Exploring Tree Systems from the Inside Out
September 25-27, 2024
Hickory, North Carolina
September 25 - Pre-Conference Workshop, 11:30am-5:00pm
Our Pre-Conference Workshop on September 25 - "Digging Deeper Into Tree Ordinances" - is geared toward urban foresters, arborists, and municipal planners. Participants will learn about tree ordinances from urban foresters and planners in Wilmington, Raleigh, High Point, Charlotte, Union County, and Cary, then move to interactive round table discussions to discuss and problem solve tree ordinance issues, problems, and struggles.
September 26 - Education Conference, 7:30am-4:45pm
Our indoor session on September 26 will feature two concurrent education sessions, all occurring between the morning and afternoon keynote speakers. One tract will focus on arborists and the other tract will focus on urban planning. Topics will include soil, nutrients, beneficial insects, biochar in the green industry, tree surveys, safety, and UDOs. The day also includes a luncheon (included with registration), exhibitor displays, networking opportunities, and a silent auction.
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September 27 - Field Day, 9:00am-Noon
Our outdoor session on September 27 will include field day demonstrations with keynote speakers Drs. Les Werner and Brian Kane, and Bartlett Tree Research Lab. Dr. Werner will use a portable sawmill to examine a tree's injury response to gain a better understanding of what external wounds are telling us about the internal structure of the tree. Dr. Kane will teach how to assess load in real time with load cells to make us better, safer climbers. And Bartlett Tree Research Labs will demonstrate the use of both a tomograph and resistance meter which aids in diagnosing internal decay.
Pending CEU credits
- International Society of Arboriculture
- Society of American Foresters
- NC Board of Landscape Architects
- NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board
- NC Pesticide
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Les Werner |
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Dr. Brian Kane |
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Dr. Les Werner is a Professor of Forestry and Director of the Wisconsin Forestry Center at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Dr Werner has taught courses in functional tree biology, arboriculture, and forest soils. In 2019 he received the Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Education from the International Society of Arboriculture. His research has ranged from an evaluation of fertilizer recovery rates in juvenile and mature trees to changes in soil microbial communities along a land-use continuum. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Prior to his appointment at UWSP, Werner spent 21 years working as a municipal and commercial arborist and business owner. |
Dr. Brian Kane is the Massachusetts Arborists Association Professor of Commercial Arboriculture at UMass Amherst. He is a leading figure in arboricultural biomechanics and tree worker safety, focusing his research on tree failure and gear failure. He received both his Master's and PhD degrees from Umass Amherst as well. Dr. Kane's professional acheivements include ISA President’s Award 2019, ISA Board of Directors 2013-2016, ISA Alex L. Shigo Award 2014, ISA Early Career Scientist Award 2011, Chair, ISA Science & Research Committee 2011-2013, and TCIA Safety Award 2009. |
Registration Fees
Become an NCUFC member (or renew your membership) before you register and you will immediately receive the member rate for this conference. Click here to become an NCUFC member and save today!
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NCUFC Member RegistrationPre-Conference Workshop
Both days
Indoor only
Field tour only
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Non-member RegistrationPre-Conference Workshop
Both days
Indoor only
Field tour only
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Early Bird Registration Ends September 6!
Sponsors & Exhibitors
There are three ways in which your organization can support the Annual Great NC Tree Conference: Annual Conference Sponsor, Annual Conference Supporter, and Annual Conference Exhibitor. CLICK HERE to download the official Sponsor / Exhibitor packet.
Hotel Information
Conference attendees can book a room at a discounted rate of $154.00 at the Hampton Inn Hickory (1956 13th Ave Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602) located right next to the Convention Center.
Booking link: https://www.hilton.com/en/
You must book by September 10 in order to receive the discount.
Conference Location
Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Ave Dr SE #5186, Hickory, NC 28602
REGISTER