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The CTPA’s annual Summer Meeting is open for registration. There is a great lineup of speakers! And of course, our exhibitors, food and catching up with friends.
We would like to encourage you to pre-register as the rates have increased again this year due to rising costs of putting on this event.
8:30 am – Registration
9:00 – 10:15 am, repeated at 1:00 – 2:15pm (choose one in each time slot)
Field Diagnostics and Pests to Look Out For. by Jeremy Slone, Ph.D., Research Entomologist,
Bartlett Tree Experts, Charlotte, NC (CLUBHOUSE) – This presentation will cover field diagnostics
and how to look at the landscape and feature trees and plants to assess possible biotic and abiotic
causes and symptoms. He will also discuss some emerging insect pests in the region such as spotted
lanterfly, crapemyrtle bark scale and box tree moth.
Real World Aerial Rescue Considerations. by Kevin Lunnie, Vector Rescue, New Milford, CT and
Shawn Emmons, Emmons Tree Service, New Milford, CT – (SYCAMORE TREE) – Kevin and
Shawn will focus on aerial rescue considerations beyond the practical skills of partner rescue. The
topics covered will include prevention, integration with first responders and common challenges that
tree climbers will face. At the end of the talk, heat exhaustion will be discussed, the symptoms and
practical ways to prevent it.
10:30 – 11:45 am, repeated at 2:30 – 3:45pm (choose one in each time slot)
Adapting Your PHC Program to a Changing Climate. by Kevin Brewer, Arborjet, Licensed CT
Arborist, Woburn, MA (CLUBHOUSE) – Environmental stress is one of the leading predisposing
factors that can lead to more serious pest and disease issues. With irregular rainfall, higher than
average temperatures, and stronger coastal storms becoming the norm, we must adapt our PHC
programs accordingly. In the session, we will discuss options to help mitigate these effects on our
urban landscape.
Walkin’ and Talkin’ Trees: A Live and Interactive Monitoring and Assessment Tour. – Tom Ingersall and
Allan Fenner. (WALK STARTS AT REGISTRATION AREA) – Join Tom and Allan for a walk around the
Polo Club property to assess the trees and discuss different management options.
*** Safety Talk presented in SPANISH for all attendees. (Sessions NOT repeated)***
10:00 am – 11:15am (PRESENTED IN SPANISH – AQUADUCT) Overview of Electrical
Hazards, What is Low Voltage? by Leo Roldan, Safety Trainer, SavATree, Bedford, NY – Leo will
talk about the electrical distribution system, secondary lines/service drops, types of electrical hazards
a tree worker is likely to face and how to be prepared when encountering electricity on the job.
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm (PRESENTED IN SPANISH – PINES ) Chainsaw Safety and Operations. – by
Pepe Ramirez, Skills Trainer, Davey Tree Expert Co., Naugatuck, CT – Pepe will talk about and show
attendees the basics of chainsaw safety, starting techniques, how a chainsaw cuts, safety features,
basic maintenance and how to transport and store a chainsaw. He will also cover what the reactive
forces and kickbacks are as well as ergonomics and muscularskeletal disorder.
3:45 pm – Adjourn – CEU Certifications Available – **During the course of the day, there is only a
potential to attend 4 talks. Therefore, the number of CEU’s will not exceed 4 talks
CT Arborist (3D) – 5.0 CEU’s, (3A) 3.0 CEU’s
CT Forest Practitioners – 1.5 CEU’s
Advanced Certified Tree Wardens – 5.0 CEU’s
ISA – 5.0 CEU’s
TCIA CTSP -Real World Aerial Rescue -1.25 ceu’s, Chainsaw Safety (Spanish) – 1.25 ceu’s, Overview Electrical Hazards (Spanish)- 1.25 ceu’s
CTPA’s Summer Meeting often comes across as part company picnic, part outdoor trade fair, part summer party and, keeping everyone focused, a strong set of educational offerings. Held on the third Thursday in July, the CTPA will often draw over 700 people to this one-day event.
What attendees almost always comment on first is the food – how much there is and how good it all is. Hosted by the Polo Club in Farmington, the event is known, for among other offerings, the chili and clam chowder served starting at 9 in the morning!
More than the food, though, the trade show draws a huge crowd, as the extensive grounds allow vendors to display such large items as aerial lifts, tree spades and large chippers. Many exhibitors also bring a van that they can set up as a mobile store, helping busy tree care workers replenish their supplies mid-season.
It’s not all commercial vendors, as, for instance, one mainstay of the event is the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, which sends several of its staff to help provide updates to attendees regarding the insects, diseases and conditions prevalent during that year’s growing season. Other exhibitors include representatives of various state and federal agencies, other non-profit agencies and Stockbridge School.