CHAPTER HISTORY

  • February 1937: The first Southern Shade Tree Conference was held.

  • February 19-21, 1942: Approximately 50 people in attendance at the Fifth Southern Shade Tree Conference voted unanimously to affiliate with the National Shade Tree Conference (now the International Society of Arboriculture).

  • Learn more about the Chapter's history (.pdf).

Services

Membership in the ISA Southern Chapter is open to individuals actively engaged in commercial, municipal, and utility arboriculture; to individuals who represent or are employed by governmental agencies, organizations or institutions whose principal duties are concerned with research, extension, and administration; and to other individuals actively interested in the planting, care, and preservation of trees. Members of the International Society of Arboriculture may elect to join the Chapter by indicating the appropriate chapter affiliation on the Application for ISA Membership . Annual dues are $30.00. Described below are some of the services and activities offered by the Southern Chapter

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Southern Chapter holds a 3-day annual conference each spring somewhere within the Chapter region. Educational programs at the conference are geared to be of interest and value to commercial, municipal, and utility arborists. In addition to educational sessions, the conference includes the trade show and a tree climbing championship. The winner of this tree climbing championship represents the Chapter in the International Tree Climbing Championship.  

ARBORIST CERTIFICATION

The Southern Chapter approves and schedules Arborist Certification exams within the Chapter region. For more information on the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist program, refer to the ISA web site. Exam registration is handled through the International office. If you are interested in having an exam proctored in your local area, contact the appropriate Southern Chapter state director for help in arranging this.

NEWSLETTER

The Southern Chapter publishes and distributes its quarterly newsletter to a membership of approximately 1600. Deadlines for submission of articles, ads, and other items are March 28, June 27, September 26 and December 12. Target dates for publication are beginning of April, August, November and February. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Memorial Scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to students pursuing a higher education in fields related to professional tree care and maintenance within the region of the Southern Chapter. Applications may be obtained online. The annual process includes a May 1 application deadline, notification by June 1, and award of the scholarship by August 1.