Urban Forestry Advisor’s Class 2025
Wednesdays, September 10-October 8, 2025 (5 sessions)
9 am-1 pm
Investigate and learn about our urban forest from the experts. Instruction and outdoor learning will cover tree physiology, tree species identification, tree care, tree selection, risk management, how trees support wildlife, tree inventory, champion trees, the history of urban forestry, tree law for homeowners, and arboretum requirements. Classes are designed for the public, municipal employees, plant-related non-profits, arboretums, members of neighborhood associations, tree boards, garden clubs, and plant societies. This class is sponsored by the West TN Chapter of the TN Urban Forestry Council, the Memphis Botanic Garden, and the Memphis Tree Board.
Your instructors for the course include:
Eric Bridges - Director of Operations & Capital Improvements: Overton Park
Laurie Williams – Retired Horticulturist
Bill Bullock - Invasive Plant Removal Specialist: Overton Park
Joellen Dimond - U of M Landscape Director
Dr. Mark Follis - Follis Tree Preservation President
Claire Barnett –Environmental Engineer
Dr. Bo Kelley - TN Division of Forestry, ISA Certified Arborist
David Smith - Champion Tree Expert
Dr. David Mercker - UT Forestry Extension Specialist
Wes Hopper - ISA Certified Arborist Instructor, Owner of Urban Forestry Consulting
Judi Shellabarger - TN Urban Forestry Council's Center of Excellence Volunteer Arboreta Outreach Chair for MBG
What's included in this class:
Your class fee includes all classroom materials, a notebook, and dues for both the West Tennessee Urban Forestry Council and the state organization (upon submission of completed examination)
Things to know:
A limited number of scholarships are available; for more information, please contact jshellab@comcast.net
CEU’s may be available for ISA certified arborists upon request
Participants in this program can become certified as a UFA volunteer after completing 20 volunteer hours after their course and completion of test
Pricing and registration deadline:
$120 per person
Register no later than September 8, 2025
If you need assistance with registration please email boxoffice@membg.org.
