UConn’s two year degree program in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture has been approved by the University’s Board of Trustees. As a result, the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture within the University will now be accepting students who wish to major in this field. While a two year degree, students who are interested and qualify will have the opportunity to continue on into a four year degree in a related field. Further details can be found on the official UConn Announcment. A sample outline of the coursework expected for completion of the degree is on the second page of the outline.
Classes are already underway in the first course required of the major – The Fundamentals of Arboriculture. This course is being taught by John Kehoe, with 9 students enrolled. According to John, the course is going along very well, with the students excited, interested and learning things. John is well-known to CTPA members as a long-time arborist who runs his own tree care business as well as being former Hartford City Forester and a member of UConn’s arboricultural staff.
In addition to announcing the major, UConn is also announcing the spring semester course in Urban Forestry as well as opening the search for an Adjunct Instructor in Urban Forestry.
Please feel to pass this information on.
CTPA is a supporter of this program, through financial contributions and also by providing advice and assistance. The best way for membership to support this program will be by considering UConn graduates for employment, once we reach that point.
The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture is affiliated with the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, which is within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at UConn. Members seeking further information on the program are encouraged to contact the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at: nre@uconn.edu or 860‐486‐2840.
