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, or utility arboriculture, as well as those employed by government agencies, organizations, or institutions involved in arboricultural research, education, extension, or administration. Membership is also available to anyone with an active interest in the planting, care, and preservation of trees.

Members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) may join the Southern Chapter by selecting the appropriate chapter affiliation when completing their ISA membership application. Annual Southern Chapter dues are $30. Some of the services, programs, and activities available to Southern Chapter members are noted below.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

The Southern Chapter holds a 3-day Annual Conference & Trade Show each spring 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.

TREE CLIMBING COMPETITION

The Southern Chapter hosts an Annual Tree Climbing Competition. The event is designed to mirror real-world arborist work. Participants compete in preliminary events, each evaluating their ability to carry out tree-climbing tasks safely, efficiently, and with professional skill.

The winners of this tree climbing championship will represent the Chapter in the ISA 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.

To arrange for an exam to be proctored in your local area, contact the ISA Southern Chapter. We will put you in touch with the appropriate state director for assistance.

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.