Membership
in the Southern Chapter of ISA 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 $20.00. 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 normally includes commercial exhibits, equipment demonstrations,
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 900. Target dates for
publication are April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15.
Deadlines for submission of articles, ads, and other items are March
15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. For more information,
contact ISA Southern Chapter office
at (336) 789-4747.
Scholarships
Thomas G. Dedrick 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
or by contacting Joy
Sapp, the scholarship chairman at (615) 862-6504. The annual
process includes a February 15 application deadline, notification by
April 15, and award of the scholarship in the fall of the next
academic year.
Workshops
The Southern Chapter sponsors educational workshops for
professionals throughout the membership region. Southern Chapter state
directors are responsible for making sure that each state is
meeting the needs of it's arborists and tree climbers through
Certification Exam Study courses and other workshops. Attendees of
Southern Chapter-sponsored workshops may earn Continuing
Education Units (CEUs) towards maintenance of Arborist
Certification.
