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This semester is the first time in 3 years that the Horticulture department has offered Introduction to Arboriculture. For those of you that don’t know what Arboriculture means it is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. Blake Snedaker our very own campus arborist and Horticulture alumni is teaching the class with the ISA(International Society of Arboriculture) exam in mind. The class started off great, the usual introduction and then they jumped right into the day to day stuff an Arborist has to deal with. They set up a bucket truck, some individuals even tried on the harnesses used in keeping you secure while you are up so high. Next they learned how useful ropes and knots could be to an Arborist. Bro. Snedaker had rigged a zip line to show students how to move damaged limbs over houses or across yards. In future classes students will learn how to tie knots, pruning methods, how to bonsai a tree, and safe climbing techniques.
 
 
"The Certified Landscape Technician program is a national certification program through the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) with INLA as the administrator. The Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association, Idaho Irrigation & Equipment Association and College of Western Idaho are partners in bringing the exam to Idaho. INLA, IIEA and BSU are committed to enhancing the level of professionalism in the Green Industry...The CLT program is designed to elevate the professional standards, enhance individual performance and designate those who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the responsibilities of the job." (Taken from the Nov. - Dec. issue of The Taproot, a publication of the INLA)

Two of our alumni received their CLT certification in September of this year: Chris Goodwin, a 2008 graduate from our program and Justin Bell, a 2003 graduate. We would like to recognize and congratulate these wonderful alumni in furthering their education.