The CTPA is a non-profit educational association dedicated to trees and to advancing the care of trees in Connecticut. The organization was formed on August 16, 1922 on the heels of legislation establishing the “tree expert” licensing requirement in the state. Tree experts are now called ‘arborists’ and the legislation the ‘Arborist Law’.
The original purpose behind establishing the CTPA was to provide those were seeking this tree expert/arborist license the educational background needed to pass the test. The Association was also established to provide already licensed members a means to share information and insights. CTPA remains true to this purpose today.
At its beginning, CTPA had only 32 members. Now, CTPA has over 800 members and is fully engaged in all aspects of ‘advancing the care of trees in Connecticut’. It does this primarily through its educational activities, including the Annual and Summer Meeting, workshops, website and newsletter. Arboriculture 101 is a highly-successful course for those seeking their arborist license, while the Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition gives practicing tree care workers the opportunity to show just how much skill and insight goes into quality tree work. The majority of CTPA’s members are licensed arborists, but the Association is not geared exclusively towards arborists. Anyone with a strong interest in trees is invited to join, with much to gain.
The Articles of Association provides the following outline as the purpose for the organization:
- to promote the protection and care of trees in Connecticut by encouraging the practice of proper and efficient methods by tree workers
- to advance the beneficial arboreal legislation and adequate tree planting and care appropriations by the state, cities, towns and boroughs of Connecticut
- to bring about closer cooperation among all parties interested in the protection of trees
- to sponsor meetings devoted to the presentation and exchange of scientific data and general information helpful to tree preservation practices
- to foster research in the field of arboriculture
- to encourage a greater interest in the planting of trees
- to promote good fellowship and ethical practices in the arboricultural profession
