ISA is committed to offering students opportunities to get involved with professional arboriculture through ISA, local chapters and our professional affiliates.
Arboricultural Research and Education Academy (AREA)
The Arboricultural Research and Education Academy (AREA) was established to promote scientific literacy and further the knowledge and understanding of new technology as it relates to arboricultural practices. Members are scientists and educators in all tree-related disciplines working toward the scientific understanding of woody plants and their care. AREA coordinates educational sessions at the ISA Annual Conference to encourage communication and collaboration among scientists, educators, students, and others working in arboriculture and urban forestry. A quarterly newsletter provides an effective means of disseminating knowledge and information among AREA’s diverse membership.
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Student Awards and Travel Grants
The ISA International Conference and Trade Show offers students a great opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn about new topics and technology, and to meet fellow arboriculture students from around the world.
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Get Involved Locally with Student Groups
Interested in Starting a Local Student Group?
So you want to start a student group for arboriculture or urban forestry at your school and have no idea where to begin. We can help! Contact us for more information or consult the FAQ below.
ISA's Student Activities Committee encourages you to go to your school's website and see how they establish student branches on campus. The process varies from school to school, but is usually relatively easy and is a good way to get some funding to start up your group with student-segregated funds that should be available. You can also contact your local ISA chapter and see if they have any funds.
How do we recruit members?
- Recruit members through flyers and Student Group Nights/Days.
- Take advantage of all the schools free press.
Are there any costs involved?
There can be dues if you so choose. Some student branches charge $5 a semester. This can cover minimal costs. Other ways to cover costs is to apply for money from your school. Schools across the world should have student-segregated fee funds for campus-established student branches to use. Other fundraising efforts can include getting in contact with your local tree trimming company and having them sponsor a demonstration.
How often should we have meetings? What should we do at the meetings?
- Meet once a week or once a month– this depends heavily on how dedicated and enthusiastic your officers and advisors are.
- Discuss overviews of coming activities.
- Get a speaker to come in to talk.
- Keep meetings fun! Hands-on activities are usually best.
What are responsibilities of faculty advisors?
Faculty advisors are considered a long-term asset to student branches. Since students are only at the school for a limited period of time, having a Faculty Advisor really keeps the Student branch afloat. This person can create consistency and a feeling of permanence for the branch in years to come. Other items: Keeping historical files, helping students with organizing events with local connections, etc.
Suggested group activities
- Keep ties with your city forester, local chapter, and ISA. Opportunities for activities often come along naturally this way.
- Attend the ISA Conference
- Attend the TCIA Conference
- Attend Chapter Conferences and Seminars (fall and winter)
- Go to ISA leadership workshops
- Take trips to botanical gardens, arboretums, nurseries
- Create our own bonsai with local bonsai company
- Prune and remove trees from properties
- Try tree boating
- Offer networking like group picnics
- Coordinate bowling parties
- Plan an Arbor Day Planting for the local city
- Teach a climbing class for beginners
- Spray gypsy moth eggs masses on campus trees
** A special thank you to former and present members of the student group at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point for providing information.**