Presentation proposals are now being accepted for the 2026 WCISA Annual Conference, Tenaya Lodge, April 27-30, 2026.

Conference Theme: “Full Circle Arboriculture”
In 2015, WCISA gathered in Yosemite to explore arboriculture’s challenges and opportunities. In 2026, we return Full Circle to reflect on what has changed. The conference will explore current and advancing holistic approaches to arboriculture — from tree microbiomes - to symbionts, adapting to climate change, fire, and evolving regulations. We hope to highlight the importance of mentoring the next generation of arborists, involving the Miwuk people and their traditional land ethics, and fostering resilience, health and community. Together, we examine the circle of arboriculture as it evolves, focusing on a sustainable future.

The WCISA Conference Program Committee invites you to submit a presentation proposal to share your expertise, research, and professional knowledge related to arboriculture. We seek proposals from professional arborists including commercial, consulting, utility, innovations in climbing, municipal, and urban forestry, community engagement personnel, and academic researchers. Presentations delivered in Spanish are encouraged and welcomed.

Proposals should demonstrate:

• Actionable value: documented, science-based techniques, procedures, or practices that attendees can apply in their work.
• Engagement: dynamic delivery that promotes interaction and provides tools attendees can use immediately.
• Relevance: alignment with the conference theme and the current challenges and opportunities facing arboriculture.

Advances in Tree Biology, Science, and Ecology

• Research on tree microbiomes, symbionts versus pests, and ecological relationships.
• Scientific insights into tree adaptation to climate and urban conditions.
• Updates in applied arboricultural science and tree health research.

• Advanced pruning techniques, including preserving the benefits of harmonic dampening.
• Emerging tools and technology, for example laser pruning and drone-based pruning.
• Utility arboriculture practices, including fire preparation and vegetation management.
• Integration and safe use of new equipment and methods in field operations.
• Past, present, and future tree inventories, methods, and what they reveal about urban forests.

• Respectful partnerships, including engagement with the Miwuk Tribe.
• Community based activities such as onsite tree planting with cultural recognition and guidance from Indigenous leadership.

• Status of invasive pests, detection, management, and prevention strategies.
• Update on current pesticide law changes (specifically changes with application on neonics).

• Impacts of climate change and extreme heat on trees and urban forestry practices.
• Comparative analysis of fire impacts in California, Arizona, Hawaii, and other states.
• Adapting forestry and utility practices to evolving fire regulations and risk reduction.
• Navigating the broader regulatory landscape and strategies that help organizations adapt.

• Panels with mentees on lessons learned and successful practices.
• Audience sharing of key mentoring moments with solutions-based expectations.
• Strategies to attract, advance, and retain talent in demanding conditions.
• Worker wellbeing, including heat and environmental stress, mitigation strategies, and safety culture.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workforce, with attention to age, neurodiversity, gender, and ethnic diversity, and inclusive practices.