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