Properly caring for trees fosters healthy and resilient communities.
Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care through the Community Tree Care Series webinars. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to benefit from improved air quality, reduced stress, and increased personal comfort for many.
Registration is required and includes access to six webinar sessions and recordings. The live sessions are from 9 to 11 a.m. Each webinar covers two main topics per date. The cost is $10 for general access to all sessions and $50 for those seeking Continuing Education Units for access to all sessions. This session theme focuses on changing climate and historic pests.
9 AM: Urban Forest Trees in a Changing Climate: Impacts and Strategies
- Climate change is intensifying biotic and abiotic stressors on urban forest trees, from extreme temperature fluctuations to increased pest pressures. This session will explore how these evolving conditions impact tree health, species performance, and urban canopy resilience. Additionally, learn to examine adaptive strategies to mitigate climate-related risks and maintain healthy urban forests. Presenter: Justin Vozzo, Illinois Extension specialist, forestry
10 AM: Historic Forest Pest Outbreaks in North America
- North America has a history of exotic pests that have extirpated individual tree species, with emerald ash borer as a modern example. In the current, ever-globalizing society, there is a significant risk for future outbreaks that may impact all trees, from the urban forest to woodlands. This presentation examines past outbreaks to compare what has been learned about historic pests with the current pests threatening native trees. Presenter: Ryan Pankau, Illinois Extension horticulture educator
Two hours of CEUs are available per session to Illinois Arborist Association certified arborists who qualify. During registration, please specify that you are attending as a certified professional and enter your ISA certification number. Arborists must attend the live sessions to receive CEUs.
For questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Sarah Vogel and team at uie-CommunityTrees@illinois.edu or 217-877-6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
About the Community Tree Care Series
Illinois Extension’s Community Tree Care Series webinars return with new topics and presenters to help individuals learn how to support tree health in their local landscapes. This training provides information and resources to those seeking additional insights for keeping trees healthy and minimizing risks.
The program is of special interest to arborists, public and private tree care professionals, municipal or county staff, community volunteers, and anyone interested in developing their tree care knowledge.
Additional Series Webinars
Jan. 13: Trees for Pollinators and Evergreen ID
Jan. 20: Forest Health Updates and Fungal Mutualists
Jan. 27: Construction and Urban Soils
Feb. 3: Chainsaw Safety and Pruning Young Trees
Feb. 17: After Planting and Tree Responses
