Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tree People

I just got back from the Wisconsin Arborist Association Winter Conference.  I rejoined the organization last year after being absent for almost two decades.  My job working in the greenhouse and nursery took me in a slightly different direction for awhile.  Being back with WAA fits in well with where my work is taking me again.
Many people can be content with finishing college, getting a job, and never opening another book to learn something new about their field of employment.  I am not one of those people and I like hanging out with people who feel the same way.  The WAA conference was a jam-packed, three day learning event.  You could take away as much as you were willing to put into it.  The speakers were all very knowledgeable with their topics and many were also entertaining.
The main goal of my journey to Green Bay was to take the ISA Arborist Certification test.  I won't know for a few weeks if I am successful, but I am feeling pretty good about most of my answers I put down.  It was pretty intense, so I am glad it is over.
Besides all the information gained and exposure to new equipment and technical skills, the conference is a gathering of some pretty fine people.  They are people passionate about trees and their part in making them part of the urban environment.  Some people are friends I have not seen for many years.  Other people have been more recent acquaintances that are pretty fun to be around.  Many become friends with more time we spend together.  Sharing ideas and information over a drink doesn't hurt.  I look forward to making the conferences on a more regular basis again.

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