Join us for an engaging and informative session where members will have the opportunity to meet the Board of Directors. This conference is your chance to connect with the individuals steering our organization and to gain insights into their vision and objectives. Each board member will introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and roles within the organization, fostering a sense of familiarity and approachability. In addition to these introductions, the board will discuss current projects and initiatives that are shaping our future. Learn about the strategic goals being pursued and the initiatives in progress that aim to enhance our community and strengthen our mission. This session will not only foster transparency but also encourage open dialogue throughout the conference between members and the board, allowing members to ask questions and share their thoughts throughout the day.

Nicole Gillett, Urban Forestry Manager. Nicole works for the City of Tucson and is the first person in this position for the City. She has spent the past five years building up the City's new urban forestry program focused on growing trees and policies that support healthy ecosystems and thriving communities.

Emma Stahl-Wert, Owner Effective Sonoran Watersheds AZ. Emma grew up inPittsburgh, PA and earned a degree in Environmental Sustainability before moving to Tucson in 2011 to work in urban agriculture. Inspired by Sonoran Desert ecology, she shifted to plants and water harvesting conservation. After becoming an ISA Certified Arborist, she began teaching and implementing water harvesting practices in 2015. In 2020, she founded Effective Sonoran Watersheds Arizona, specializing in Sonoran Desert landscapes, tree planting, and stormwater infrastructure.

What factors determine your tree selection? Let’s explore beyond the right tree for the right space and planting by numbers to create designs that support human and ecosystem function and resilience, to educate ourselves, our customers, and the community about a healthy and sustainable Urban Forest Resource.

This presentation will discuss the fundamentals of tree risk assessment, including why we need to conduct tree risk assessments, definitions, discussion of common tree defects, and a number of important points that will guide defensible tree risk assessments.

This presentation examines how unprecedented daytime heat, elevated nighttime temperatures, and long‑term drought from 2022–2026 triggered widespread decline in multiple tree species in Arizona. It explains the physiological mechanisms behind heat‑driven stress, outlines diagnostic cues for arborists, and presents management strategies and resilient replacement species to guide municipal and private‑sector urban‑forest planning. It ultimately frames this decline as an opportunity for species transition and long‑term canopy resilience in a hotter, drier future.

Back by popular demand: Certified Arborist Jeopardy! During each session, we will go over the most important aspects of the exam reviewing critical areas using a fun approach called Certified Arborist Jeopardy! Two teams of class participants will battle off as we review all the domains that are on the Certified Arborist exam. This will be a fun and challenging way to prepare for the exam without accruing all the anxiety normal to a standard class setting. Although geared to exam participants, these sessions are for all interested in reviewing and refreshing their Certified Arborist knowledge.

Jen Alspach, EPO Director. Serving since 2020 and lead the tribe's ecological restoration efforts along the Colorado River. Jen excels in grant writing and environmental program management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth Sciences from Duke University and a Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

Luis Sanchez, Restoration Project Manager.  Luis oversees the implementation of ecological restoration projects on tribal lands on the lower Colorado River.

This presentation describes the practice of growing seedling trees in Tall Pots; why this is a successful method of growing; how to prepare, plant and grow in tall pots, and how to transfer seedlings to the field. Why this method of growing is so successful (85-90%) without additional irrigation once planted, and why it is so important. What types of trees and shrubs are generally grown in tall pots; the Desert Abundance experience with tall pot trees on our wildland site.

This session examines the gap in accessible Spanish language urban forestry training and shares lessons learned from translating and applying technical materials across multiple programs within AZSA, including municipal resources, regional toolkit development, and bilingual training environments. Presenters will highlight where translation breaks down in practice and how adjustments in language, delivery, and structure improve comprehension and field implementation. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen bilingual training and improve tree planting outcomes. Spanish to English translation available.

Session 2: Continuation

Summary of cutting edge questions concerning the evidence that plants have a different intelligence. Explain some plant communication research involving damage and injury warning. Open the dialog that plants may have a conscience of some sort.

William Donato, MS, Education Director. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science/Biology/Geology and a M.S. in Science Teaching from Bradley University. He taught Biology, Environmental Science and Forensics for 33 years in Illinois and Texas. He was an environmental club and envirothon coach and previously was an Exam Leader for the College Board. Besides his duties with AZSA, Bill serves as a Project WET and Project Learning Tree (PLT) facilitator. He is a contributing author for the Arizona Tree Steward Manual and co-developed the Urban Forestry Education Initiative.

Angelica De Haro-Romero, Urban Forestry Coordinator. She studied Sustainability and has worked in water conservation, forest health and now urban forestry. Along the way she has also worked with youth through education and enjoys volunteering with local community gardens. Since a young age, Angelica has been passionate about about environmental stewardship and helping people feel more connected to their communities and the living systems they are part of.

DFFM will give an overview of the Firewise USA program and fire safety principles around homes and within communities.

Session 3: Continuation

As Arizona communities face rising temperatures and increasing heat-related risks, urban trees are becoming essential infrastructure for public health, climate resilience, and neighborhood livability. This presentation will explore how cities and practitioners can design and manage urban forests to maximize cooling benefits, improve long-term survivability, and address inequities in canopy distribution using data-driven and climate-adapted approaches. Attendees will leave with practical tools and real-world examples from urban forestry initiatives across the Southwest.

Understanding, practicing and planning for aerial rescue is vital while working in an industry that has one of the highest injury and fatality rates for a civilian occupation. Climbing trees is unique skill that requires specialized techniques and knowledge that some rescue personnel may not have this knowledge or experience. This presentation describes and demonstrates several different rescue techniques that can be used in an emergency.

Evelyn Miranda, Community Trees Program Coordinator. Evelyn has a background in applied biological design research and is passionate about sustainability and climate resilience. She currently works for the City of Tempe’s Department of Transportation & Sustainability, helping expand shade and tree canopy in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods through community-focused urban forestry initiatives.

Natalie Case, Education and Outreach Coordinator. Natalie has been learning about and sharing the Sonoran Desert with others for the last 25 years. In 2022, she took over the college greenhouse to revamp the Center’s native plant program. It grew more than expected, and today the Center provides over 1000 plants a year to local restoration projects and urban spaces. The plants have allowed the Center to build valuable partnerships with nurseries, municipalities, tribes, and the volunteers that help with propagation.

Gianna Rivera, Community Tree Steward. Gio currently works with City of Tempe in the Department of Transportation and Sustainability as a community water and tree champion. They are in the process of working and studying to become a certified arborist. Their passion and focus on trees continues to grow after becoming a certified water harvester through watershed management group in 2024. They enjoy spending their time volunteering and learning to collect seeds of and propagate native plants.

Session 4: Continuation

This presentation will focus on the why and how of structural pruning, an ANSI A300 best practice that is severely underutilized in urban forestry and arboriculture despite its significant benefits. This presentation will first focus on why healthy, long-lived trees are essential; then, it will focus on the structural characteristics of strong, resilient trees; and finally, it will focus on how to achieve those structural characteristics through proactive developmental pruning. Real world examples from highly-visible, well-known landscapes in Washington, DC, will be utilized to illustrate pruning techniques and benefits.

An overview of the top invasive species of concern not found in Arizona yet, resources to identify these species, and what to do and who to contact if you suspect you found one.

This presentation outlines strategies to identify, engage, and convert high-value prospects. It provides a framework designed to optimize your business and build predictable, recurring revenue while minimizing your customer acquisition costs (CAC).

Scott Calabrese, Service Expert. Scott’s career path started in 2014 as a Plant Health Care Specialist treating pests and diseases in the landscape. He joined Integrity Tree Service/SavAtree in May, 2016 where he continued to advance in his career in arboriculture; becoming an ISA Certified Arborist in 2018.

Roy Maxey, Service Expert. Roy began his career in the tree industry in 1998 and joined Integrity Tree Service / SavATree in 2009. He became a Certified Tree Worker in 2010 and an ISA Certified Arborist in 2011. For his dedicated service in teaching for the Arizona Community Tree Council (ACTC), Roy was awarded their Volunteer of the Year award in 2013. Roy is a Board Certified Master Arborist. 

An all day climbing class aimed at beginners and intermediates at Granite Mountain Park.  For women taught by women.

This presentation outlines a Pest Management  framework for arid environments, emphasizing proactive cultural, biological, and chemical strategies. It covers the unique vulnerabilities of desert ecosystems, common localized pest threats, sustainable prevention and control methods, and tailored implementation guidelines.

This presentation outlines a strategic, cost-effective marketing approach designed for small to mid-sized teams. It demonstrates how to leverage organic content, data-driven optimization, and targeted campaigns to maximize audience reach and Return on Investment without requiring a large financial investment. 

Session 2: Continuation

Outline the common Date Palm Pests in Arizona. Give the proper methods for Date Palm Pest Management.  Obtain an understanding for common Date Palm Pests and erradication maintenance.  

This presentation outlines the essential insurance requirements for an arborist business, providing a clear, scannable structure that addresses specific industry risks, legal mandates, and policy requirements for a professional presentation. 

This training outlines the goals, structure, and intended outcomes of a training program designed to teach subject-matter experts how to effectively deliver knowledge, manage group dynamics, and facilitate adult learning.  This presentation is for 3 sessions. 

Session 3: Continuation

Outline the common Citrus Pests in Arizona. Give the proper methods for Citrus Pest Management.  Obtain an understanding for common Citrus Pests and erradication maintenance.  

This presentation equips Owners and Managers with a roadmap to asses their current bottlenecks.  This presentation will give solutions to create basic policies and procedures to ensure compliance and good bookkeeping.  

Session 2 of 3: Continuation

Session 4: Continuation

This presentation outlines IPM programs for indoor and outdoor environments in and around commuinty spaces. This presentation focuses on promoting safer, more sustainable pest management practices in spaces where children, families, staff, and communities gather.

This staff retention presentation outlines a strategic plan to minimize turnover and maximize team loyalty. It details the financial impacts of losing key talent, identifies primary resignation drivers, and proposes actionable, data-driven retention frameworks tailored to modern workplace expectations.

Session 3 of 3: Continuation

Session 5: Continuation

This presentation defines how insects interact with their physical (temperature, moisture, light) and biological (predators, competitors) environments.  Understanding the delicate balance of insects in ecosystems, specifically highlighting the dual roles of beneficial insects (pollination, natural pest control) and harmful vectors.  Moving away from traditional insecticides by utilizing biological controls (e.g., predatory mites, ladybugs), cultural practices, and biotechnology.

This presentation provides a strategic framework to optimize operational budgets. By moving away from reactive purchasing, organizations integrate equipment procurement and maintenance into a unified strategy. The approach minimizes Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), extends asset lifespans, and aligns spending with overarching business goals.

Session 6: Continuation