Urban Forestry Workshop (Extension Urban Forestry Academy)
Sponsored by: Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
Hall County Extension office, 734 E Crescent Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501
Date: May 06, 2026 09:15 AM to May 06, 2026 03:30 PM
Practicum Description: Approximately 82% of the US population lives in urban and suburban areas, environments which have several socio-economic and ecological stressors that can reduce human health and well-being and diminish ecosystem health. Urban trees help ameliorate many of the stressors urban areas face, for example by reducing air temperature and pollution, increasing health and well-being, reducing stormwater runoff, and providing numerous other ecosystem services. When urban trees receive quality growing conditions and experienced care, they can more easily achieve optimal health and growth, and as a result provide the greatest benefits back to urban areas. During this field-based workshop, participants will learn more about young tree pruning, tree establishment, tree health, and risk assessment. After meeting up at the Hall County Extension office in the morning, participants will depart to Midlands Park for a tree pruning demonstration and discussion of tree establishment and tree health while walking along the greenway to view several recently planted and established trees. Participants will then be transported to the Hall County School District headquarters in historic Gainesville for lunch and then an afternoon tree risk assessment discussion and activity. Beverages, snacks and lunch provided.
Time Event
8:30 AM Arrival, Coffee, Snacks (Extension Office)
9:15 Welcome and Introductions
9:30 Depart for Midlands Park
9:45 Urban Tree Care Demonstrations & Discussions: Tree Pruning (Dr. Ignazio Graziosi)
10:45 Urban Tree Care Demonstrations & Discussions: Tree Establishment (Ms. Holly Campbell, Mr. Nathan Eason)
11:15 Urban Tree Care Demonstrations & Discussions: Tree Health (Dr. Elizabeth McCarty)
12:00 PM Depart for Hall County School District Headquarters
12:15 LUNCH (provided)
1:00 Tree Risk Assessment Overview (Dr. Jason Gordon, Dr. Elizabeth McCarty)
1:30 Tree Risk Assessment Activity (Dr. Jason Gordon, Mr. Nathan Eason, Dr. Elizabeth McCarty, Dr. Ignazio Graziosi, Ms. Holly Campbell)
3:00 Transport Back to Hall County Extension Office
3:20 Wrap-up, Evaluations, & CEUs