40 years of Pioneering Arboriculture
Celebrating 40 Years of Pioneering Arboriculture: Join Us in San Diego!
36th Annual Seminar and Field Day
August 15–16, 2025 | Balboa Park Club, San Diego, CA
This summer, we invite you to gather under the historic canopy of Balboa Park for a landmark event honoring four decades of progress, passion, and professionalism in arboriculture. Our 36th Annual Seminar and Field Day is more than a meeting—it's a celebration of our shared legacy and an exploration of the future of our urban forests.
Seminar – Friday, August 15 | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Start the day with coffee and camaraderie before diving into a robust program featuring science-backed insights, practical updates, and inspiring visions for the profession.
Highlights include:
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KEYNOTE: Donald Blair, industry legend, takes us on a historical journey with “Arboriculture Through the Years.”
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Linda Chalker-Scott, PhD returns with myth-busting clarity and insights into mulch, fire risk, and tree health.
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Updates on Xylella, Ghost Canker, climate-adaptive tree selection, and urban forest remote sensing.
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California’s Strategic Plan to grow canopy cover with Jason Johns.
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Recognition of Excellence: PTCA Scholarship & Bichowsky Awards.
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Lunch included – enjoy a mid-day recharge with peers.
Earn CEUs while connecting with colleagues, researchers, and field leaders driving innovation in tree care and urban forestry.
Field Day – Saturday, August 16 | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Roll up your sleeves for hands-on learning in the field! With three focused tracks—Arborist, Tree Worker 1, and Tree Worker 2—there’s something for everyone, from new climbers to seasoned professionals.
Field Day Features:
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Interactive tree walks with Magen Shaw and Jason Johns
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Live nursery demo with Dave Teuschler, CPR/First Aid training, and climber longevity tips from Vicente Alvarez
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Equipment demos including Don Blair’s Hobbs Device and the legendary Euc Man/Oak Man
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Spotlight on aerial operations with Joe Wurzel & Ricardo Vasquez
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Raffle prizes and a full day of skill-building in the field
All sessions are designed to keep you sharp, safe, and at the forefront of arboricultural practice.
Whether you’re here to gain CEUs, learn new techniques, network with peers, or simply celebrate the legacy of tree care, this milestone event offers two days of deep-rooted inspiration and cutting-edge knowledge.
Let’s honor the past and shape the future—together.
We’ll see you in San Diego!