The Inland Tree Conference, a two-day deep dive into all things trees, is Spokane’s leading annual event for arboriculture professionals and tree enthusiasts. Happeing at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, this gathering of tree experts, professionals, and fans offers an incredible opportunity for anyone to learn and network.
The conference creates a unique gathering space where those who may be relatively new to arboriculture and seasoned professionals will learn from speakers and one another and take new ideas and information home to their yard, private forest, business, organization or agency. Beginners can dive into essential topics like tree selection and basic insect and disease diagnosis, while experts can refine their skills with advanced sessions led by James Komen, covering tree law, TRAQ improvement, and tree appraisal.
The Inland Tree Conference, organized by the Spokane Conservation District, unites forward-thinking forest landowners, managers, and top green industry experts to explore the latest trends and innovations in tree care and forest management.
Firewise and Urban Wood Utilization Topics Friday Jan 9
There are two specialized tracks to choose from on Friday.
The Firewise Track will present cutting-edge research on how to protect your home from wildfires and explore the ecology of forests after fire. The Urban Wood Utilization Track will focus on the growing urban wood economy, highlighting how to connect key stakeholders and leverage urban wood for sustainable solutions.
Featured speakers include James Komen, a consulting arborist in California specializing in risk assessment and tree appraisal; Dana Brennan, a Forest Health Specialist for the Northeast Region with the Washington Department of Natural Resources; Ralph Bloemers with the Green Oregon Alliance who has worked with scientists, tribes, conservation groups and land managers throughout the Pacific Northwest on the conservation of our forests, including burned landscapes; and Jeff Carroll, a strategist, leader, and storyteller focused on using social and environmental innovation for the public good.
Other conference sessions of special interest to everyday tree lovers and amateur arboriculturists include “The Natural History of Hangman Creek” presentation by Northwest author and historian Jack Nesbit and the showing and follow-up discussion of the documentary “Elemental: Reimagining Wildfire.” The conference also offers 10 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for recertifying as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist.
Check out the full conference agenda here.
Featured Inland Tree Conference 2025 Speakers
Class One Arboriculture James Komen is a consulting arborist in California specializing in risk assessment and tree appraisal. He helps clients make informed management decisions for individual trees and for tree inventories. His work has been published in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, Arboricultural Consultant, Palms, Ontario Arborist, and Western Arborist. He is an ISA TRAQ instructor and has taught workshops on tree appraisal around the U.S. and Canada.
Dana Brennan is a Forest Health Specialist for the Northeast Region of the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Dana has an MS in Chemical Ecology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Prior to obtaining her current position with the WDNR, Dana worked with the Forest Health Program with Alaska Department of Natural Resources and with the US Forest Service Forest Health Protection in Alaska.
Ralph Bloemers has been with Green Oregon Alliance For over 20 years and has worked with scientists, tribes, conservation groups and land managers throughout the Pacific Northwest on the conservation of our forests, including burned landscapes. He has investigated the causes of wildfire, documented wildlife and recovery in burned landscapes, advanced forest, fire policy and worked to help people and communities prepare for more fire in a hotter, drier world. He is the Executive Producer of the documentary “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire,” and a producer for PBS Weathered episodes on fast fires, insurance, and carbon cycles and old forest conservation.
Jeff Carroll is a strategist, leader, and storyteller focused on using social and environmental innovation for the public good. With a background in construction and business, he designs market solutions to address environmental challenges and create job opportunities. After founding a successful deconstruction and material reuse enterprise in Baltimore, which grew to a $5M operation with 200 employees, Jeff now works to establish circular “urban wood economies.” As CEO of Urban Wood Economy Inc., he leads efforts to create scalable pilots that turn wood waste from building deconstruction and urban trees into economic opportunities, reduce carbon emissions, and reinvest in marginalized communities.
Register for the Inland Tree Conference here or contact Hilary@SpokaneCD.org for more info.
(Sponsored Article)
