Following the Women in Vegetation Management Workshop, the Arbor Day Foundation and the Utility Arborist Association kicked off the 2020 Trees & Utilities conference on Sept.22.
More than 400 utilities nationwide tuned into the event, which featured a variety of different speakers on topics ranging from environmental stewardship to workforce challenges.
Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, says the event is one of his favorites of the year.
"It gives us the chance to see old friends, make new friends, connect and consult with one another and learn about the latest priorities, programs and projects that are across the country," he says.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAA and Arbor Day Foundation opted to make the event virtual, but Lambe says the content and spirit of the event were still very much alive.
"Together this event helps us to advance our shared goals and our shared missions," he says. "The vision of the conference since day one was to create engaging sessions for the utility arborist community."
The work in the utility vegetation management industry has never been more important, he says, due to wildfires and climate change.
"If there was ever a time to plant and care for trees, now is that time," he says. "We appreciate your leadership in creating thriving and healthy cities and safe and reliable energy and electricity."
Through the Whova app, the attendees were able to not only listen to the opening address, but also select from many other pre-recorded sessions. As a result, they were able to earn CEU credits and discover the latest best practices in the vegetation management industry.
For more information, visit the Web site.
