Extension Education & Outreach Activity

Louisiana Arborist Continuing Education. Arboriculture is one of the highest risk occupations in North America. Louisiana is one of a few states in the country that has state-mandated license and likely the only state in the country that requires continuing education as part of the license program. Baseline research shows that many Louisiana licensed arborists are unfamiliar with current industry recommendations for tree care and safety and that there is an annual turnover rate of about 10% among these professionals. Providing this audience with research-based information on tree growth and care, and on safe work practices is essential to both the arborists themselves and the clientele they serve.
 

The Louisiana Arborist Education program provides eight continuing education workshops each year that serve approximately 500 state licensed residential tree care workers from Louisiana and neighboring states. Workshops are designed to address educational needs of this audience in a way that will enhance their professionalism and increase safety on the job. This educational program also serves professional arborists who are Certified Arborists under the certification program of the International Society of Arboriculture. Topics vary each year, but focus on safety, professionalism, tree biology, the latest in tree care technique, and small business management.

Invasive Species. A looming critical natural resource issue in Louisiana is biological invasions. In response to this issue developed an invasive plant species website, delivered several research-based presentations on the topic of nonnative plant invasions to diverse groups, including groups involved in manipulating urban and suburban landscapes through gardening and landscape design. This program has presented workshops for field personnel from state and federal agencies as well as professional presentations at meetings for nursery personnel, Louisiana Master Gardeners and other citizen groups.

Urban and Community Forestry. Urban and community forestry programming consists primarily of development and presentation of research-based materials to private citizen groups, Louisiana Master Gardener classes, transportation engineers, nursery industry groups, municipal groups and others. It also has included production of publications such as the Native Tree Planting Guide, development of storm response materials for homeowners, and an educational series for homeowners entitled Chainsaw 101.

4-H University Forestry Contest and National Forestry Invitational. 4-H University brings 4-H members to the LSU campus in Baton Rouge every year to compete in a traditional forestry skills contest (orienteering, mensuration, tree, insect and disease identification) and participate in a ½ day educational program (tree climbing, natural resources, wood manufacturing, ethnobotany, etc.). The top four contestants compete as a team at the national level in the 4-H National Forestry Invitational.