2025 Trees SC Annual Conference, Strategic Connections

Welcome to the 2025 Trees SC Annual Conference!

Join us November 6-7, 2025, (Pre-Conference November 5th) in Downtown Spartanburg, SC, for the 2025 Trees SC Annual Conference—where Strategic Connections come to life for professionals shaping the future of our urban forests.

This year’s program is designed for urban tree care professionals and enthusiasts who are driving innovation and stewardship in their communities. Dive into timely topics like biochar applications, tree resilience, vegetation management technology, and collaborative planning strategies. With expert-led sessions, dynamic breakout discussions, networking opportunities and valuable CEUs, this conference will equip you with the insights and relationships to elevate your work.

Early Bird Registration Pricing Ends September 30th!

Conference Hotel

Spartanburg Mariott

(limited rooms)

Nov 5, Pre Conference

Space is limited to 56 seats—register early to secure your spot

Exploring Trees, Trials, and Technology

Join us for an immersive pre-conference tour on November 5, 2025, that brings Strategic Connections to life—literally! Explore premier arboretums, cutting-edge magnolia trials, and hands on demonstrations in cutting-edge tree decay testing technology. This full-day experience blends science, scenery, and CEU opportunities as we visit the Spartanburg Community College Arboretum, Milliken Research Facility, and Wofford College. From walking tours under the canopy to hands-on demonstrations and expert-led discussions, this is your chance to connect with nature,knowledge and fellow professionals before the main event kicks off.

Nov 5, Pre Conference Agenda

7:30-8:45 am Registration

9:00 Depart Hotel by Bus

9:30 Arrive at Spartanburg Community College

9:30-10:45 Tour of SCC Arboretum and magnolia trial gardens

10:45 Depart for Milliken Research facility and Arboretum

10:45-11:30 Tour of Milliken

11:30 Depart for Wofford College

11:45-12:45 Lunch at Wofford College

1:00 Start Walking Tour of Wofford Trees

1:30 Tree Decay Testing Demonstration

2:30-3:30 Finish Walking Tour of Wofford College

4:00-5:00 Return to Marriott Ballroom and Wrap-up presentation of Tree Decay Demonstration

6:00pm Dinner at Marriott

Our esteemed tour guides will be Stewart Winslow from Wofford College and Kevin Parris from

Spartanburg Community College.

CEUs applied for.

Nov 6-7, Annual Conference

THURSDAY AGENDA

8:00-9:00 Breakfast and Registration

9:00-9:15 Welcome to Spartanburg

9:15-10:00 Morgan Square Project – Darren Meyer, MKSK

10:00-10:45 Biochar Applications and Lifecycle in the Green Industry – Christopher Fields-Johnson, PhD, Davey Institute

10:45-11:00 Networking Break

11:00-11:45 Resilient Trees for South Carolina – Martin Hamilton, PhD, South Carolina Botanical Garden-Clemson

11:45-12:00 Awards, Presentations, Trees SC Business Meeting, Tree City USA Recognition

12:00-1:30 Networking Lunch

Breakout Sessions

Time

1:30-2:15pm Breakout Options

-GIC Canopy Mapping - Derek Matchette, Green Infrastructure Center

-Biocontrol in Residential Landscapes, Jeremy Slone, PhD – Bartlett Research Labs

-Horticopia. A Comprehensive Plant Identification and Information Software, Anne Muecke-Horticopia

2:15-3:00pm Breakout Options

-Food Forest Discussion, Noni Langford, MUSC, Sam Haab, Charleston Parks Conservancy, Nicole Goodman, Clemson Extension

-The Value of Tree Risk Assessments in the Wake of a Major Hurricane, Bill Hascher and Andy White-Biltmore

-Horticopia. A Comprehensive Plant Identification and Information Software, Anne Muecke-Horticopia

3:00-3:15 Networking Break

3:15-4:00 Remote Sensing Technologies in Vegetation Management, Nick Day-ComEd

4:00-4:45 Keynote: Resilient Arboriculture & Urban Forestry Through Standards of Care, Richard Hauer, PhD- Eocene

Environmental 5:00-6:00 Networking Social

FRIDAY AGENDA

8:00-8:50 Breakfast

8:50-9:00 Welcome

9:00-9:45 ISA's Best Management Practices for Construction Near Trees – Richard Hauer, PhD, Eocene Environmental

9:45-10:30 Pests of Woody Ornamentals and Their Management – Muhammad “Zee” Ahmed, PhD, Clemson University

10:30-10:45 Networking Break

10:45-11:30 Partnering with Local Government – Jennifer Young, Columbia Green

11:30-12:00 Presentations, Auction Results, Conference Wrap Up

CEUs applied for.

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