About Us

Who We Are

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Atlantic Chapter was established in 1988 as a component chapter of the larger international body of the ISA.

The ISA Atlantic Chapter promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and helps foster a greater awareness of the benefits of trees in Atlantic Canada.

Current members include municipal, commercial, and utility arborists, researchers, educators, and others who promote the health and preservation of trees.

For further information on the International Society of Arboriculture and information on how to become a ISA Atlantic Chapter member go to www.isa-arbor.com.

What We Do

  • Promote the profession of Arboriculture throughout the Atlantic Region
  • Provide training and education to Arborists in Atlantic Canada
  • Provide public education and awareness on the benefits and proper care of trees
  • Assist with projects that help improve our green resources in Atlantic Canada. Recent projects include:
    • McNabb’s Island Clean Up with the Friends of McNabb’s Island Society
    • Town of Windsor Beautification Project

Chapter History

March 1985

International Society of Aboriculture

Original Logo

  • Atlantic Arborist Association founded.
  • Members were concerned about the quality of tree work being performed in Atlantic Canada.
  • The founding committee members consisted of:
    • Robert Magill, Atlantic Landscape and Design
    • David Urquhart, Superintendent of Parks and Trees, City of Fredericton
    • Harold Haines, NB Power Corporation
  • Objectives of the Association were to:
    1. Train people involved in the arboriculture field and educate the public about the benefits of trees.
    2. Create a network among various groups throughout Atlantic Canada to exchange information on arboriculture.
    3. To ensure that proper maintenance was being performed when pruning trees near utility lines.

October 1985

  • The Atlantic Arborist Association changed its name to the Atlantic Arboricultural Association.
  • Information on the Association’s goals and objectives was sent to interested parties throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Briefs were presented to the Atlantic Provincial Governments to help identify arboriculture as a separate entity from logging operations.
  • Work was initiated on developing a pruning specification manual. The Association became involved in Arbor Day and tree planting programs throughout the Atlantic Provinces and offered courses on arboriculture related topics.
  • Speakers from various parts of the country helped to educate the Association members in all aspects of tree care.

1987

  • A motion was made at the annual meeting for the Association to become a Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

August 1998

  • ISA Board of Directors approved a motion that saw the Atlantic Arboriculture Association become the 22nd Chapter of ISA.

Fall of 1998

  • St. John’s Newfoundland hosted the first meeting of the ISA Atlantic Chapter

Fall of 1990

  • ISA Atlantic Chapter held its first Tree Climbing Jamboree. Brian Phelan won the event and represented the Chapter at the International Jamboree held in Philadelphia.

March 1991

  • The Chapter became the ISA Atlantic Chapter Inc. under a Letter Patent by the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada.

1992

  • The Chapter held its first Certified Arborist Exam in which three candidates wrote the exam and became first Certified Arborists within Atlantic Canada.

1994

  • The Chapter hosted the International Society of Arboriculture’s 70th Annual Conference in Halifax which featured a lobster dinner on Citadel Hill for the closing banquet.

2016

Stan Kochanoff and Brian Phelan were honored with a life membership award for their work from the ISA Atlantic Chapter.