SW New Mexico News

Three specialists from New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service will be among the speakers at the 39th annual Think Trees New Mexico Urban Tree Care Conference. The event is scheduled for February 6-7 in Albuquerque, taking place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton.

The conference offers an early bird registration fee of $260 until January 15, after which the fee increases to $295. Students can attend for a reduced rate of $80. Interested participants can register online at thinktreesnm.org.

The conference aims to unite leaders in arboriculture for enhanced understanding and collaborative training. NMSU's featured speakers are Leslie Beck, associate professor and Extension weed specialist; Joanie King, assistant professor and Extension entomology specialist; and Phillip Lujan, assistant professor and Extension plant pathologist.

Marisa Thompson, NMSU Extension urban horticulture specialist and president of the Think Trees board, stated: “Last year, we had over 400 attendees, and we’re already excited to see early registrations from communities across the state like Clovis, Farmington and Socorro. Something special happens when so many tree industry members and supporters come together to learn urban tree care strategies specific to our region and the issues we’re all facing.”

Additional speakers include Neil Hendrickson, a retired Bartlett Tree Research technical specialist known for his expertise in tree risk assessment; James Cassidy from Oregon State University; Anne Fenkner from Davey Resource Group; and Ursula Schuch from the University of Arizona.

Continuing education units will be offered by organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, American Society of Landscape Architects, and Society of American Foresters.

For more information or to view a full agenda, visit thinktreesnm.org.