CTPA Summer Meeting – July 18, 2019
Lunch at the Summer Meeting – always a great time to get caught up with fellow arborists and tree care workers.
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 Farmington Club, 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.
Dr. Bruce Fraedrich of Bartlett explains the intricacies of caring for young trees.
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.
The educational portion of the event is also not to be overlooked. Important talks on major issues, such as chipper safety, updates on various insect pests, the nature and properties of ropes and more, have all been presented at CTPA’s Summer Meeting.
Dr. Jeff Ward of CAES presents a new approach to maintaining trees alongside roads.
And, as if that were not enough, the CTPA also includes a tree skills competition as part of the meeting, where attendees can try their hands at certain skills such as knot-tying (and untying), chain saw disassembly and throw line tosses.
For many, the CTPA Summer Meeting is a highlight of the summer.