Meeting Minutes – April 24, 2025

The meeting minutes for the April 24, 2025 meeting are now posted below:
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Quick recap
The meeting covered a range of topics including upcoming events, workshops, and training sessions for arborists and tree care professionals. The team discussed financial matters, sponsorship opportunities, and plans for future courses and workshops in various locations. They also addressed updates on ongoing projects, website improvements, and potential partnerships, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and outreach.

Next steps

• Amy to follow up with Pepsico and license plate project for outstanding payments.
• Mike to look up contact information for Amanda Rogers from Pepsico.
• Preston to send out schedule for certified arborist prep course and allow people to volunteer to teach chapters.
• Kristoffer to look into his schedule and inform Preston of availability to teach at the arborist prep course.
• TBUFC (Michael) to create posts and images for the arborist prep course and update the website.
• Kristoffer to reach out to potential sponsors (Husqvarna, Steele) for the arborist prep course.
• Susan to add certified tree climber prep course discussion to the Board retreat agenda for May 30th.
• Marc to work with Plano Power and Richardson for sponsorships for the Urban Forest Management Planning workshop.
• Susan to finalize and send out the agenda for the Urban Forest Management Planning workshop.
• Amy to reach out to Virological regarding updates on the Texas Tree Trail.
• Mike to reach out to communities on the agenda with personal invitations to attend the Urban Forest Management Planning training.
• Preston to confirm the exact location of the Board retreat on May 30th (Trinity River Audubon Center or Dogwood Canyon).
• Board members to RSVP for lunch at the Board retreat on May 30th.

Summary
Certified Arborist Prep Course Discussion

The team discussed the agenda for their meeting and approved the minutes from their last meeting. They also discussed the treasurer’s report, which is in flux due to unpaid funds from the License Plate Project and Pepsico. The team was approached by Mr. Wilms to assist with a Certified Arborist Prep Course, which will be held on May 27th, 28th, and 29th. The course will run from 8 to 4 and will be held in the training room at 2245 Irving Boulevard. The team will assist with trainers for the course. The course is open to the public and is free, with the option to buy the book at the member rate. The team also discussed the possibility of instructors receiving CEUs for instructing.

Certified Arborist Prep Course Plans

The team discussed the upcoming certified arborist prep course, with plans to charge for it in the future. They also considered offering a prep course for the certified tree climber. The team discussed potential sponsors for the events, with Hub Insurance already providing lunch sponsorship. The percentage precision book pruning workshop was also discussed, with Christopher leading the training. The team also discussed the need for more financial support for events.

Precision Pruning Workshop and Future Events

In the meeting, Susan, Kristoffer, and Ann discussed the upcoming Precision Pruning Workshop in June, which Kristoffer confirmed he would attend. They also discussed the possibility of hosting a similar workshop in the fall, potentially in Dallas. Kristoffer mentioned a 3-day qualification workshop called Ppq, which he highly recommended. Susan mentioned that Gene had planned to host a similar workshop in January. Ann expressed interest in hosting a workshop in Dallas, and Kristoffer agreed to discuss this further. The conversation ended with plans for a Board of Directors training on May 30th at the Dallas Audubon Center.

Bilingual Workshop and Stop the Bleed

Susan and Kristoffer discussed the upcoming bilingual workshop and the inclusion of a stop the bleed presentation. Kristoffer agreed to provide an overview of the topic, which could be adapted to accommodate a larger audience. He also mentioned the possibility of offering a hands-on session for those interested in learning more about wound packing. The team agreed to discuss the details further.

Shade Keeper Training and Saluting Branches

Susan announced the upcoming Shade Keeper training in Grand Prairie on November 8th, followed by a classroom training on December 12th. The location for the Shade Tree pruning on January 21st is yet to be determined. Preston discussed the possibility of hosting the Saluting Branches event in Plano instead of Dallas this year, pending approval from the park director. Marc mentioned a site in Plano where they need to remove some trees and are working on getting approval to host the event. Kristoffer corrected the date on the agenda to 2025. Preston provided an update on the EAB, mentioning that they are doing retreatments of 185 trees and are monitoring traps for any hits.

Website Updates and Upcoming Events

Susan and TBUFC discussed the upcoming events and updates on the website. TBUFC mentioned that he is excited about the upcoming events and is working on updating the calendar. Susan suggested that TBUFC should share any events he is organizing with Michael, who can put them on the event calendar. Susan also mentioned that the website is getting a lot of hits, which is a positive sign. Susan then moved on to discuss the Urban Forest Management Planning Workshop Committee, where the finished agendas should be sent out soon. The speakers for the workshop are confirmed, and Susan will send out the course description. Susan also mentioned the need for sponsors and vendors for the workshop. Kristoffer suggested doing a webinar on the new Z 133, which Susan agreed was a great idea. Marc confirmed that the facility for the workshop is reserved. Susan will send out the whole agenda to everyone by tomorrow.

Texas Urban Forestry Congress Updates

Susan led the meeting, discussing various topics including the Speakers Bureau, Texas Tree Trail, and the Texas Urban Forestry Congress. Marc provided updates on the Texas Urban Forestry Congress, including a meeting led by Cross Timbers and the distribution of funds from Texas license plates. Mike discussed the Civil Air Patrol and the potential for a partnership with them. Susan emphasized the importance of community building and encouraged everyone to reach out to the communities on the agenda. The next board meeting was scheduled for May 30th at the Dallas Audubon Center.

Michael Levy, TBUFC Support

Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. He received his B.S in Recreation Administration in 2005 and went to work for the City of Grand Prairie, Texas right after graduation. Michael serves as Secretary of TBUFC and provides technical support for the organization.