Many public works employees are the ones tasked with on-the-ground tree care efforts. The Northern Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Council and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provide our local public workers with an informative seminar at a low cost to cover a wide range of topics relating to tree care, management, and safety. While geared toward public works, this event is also open to tree board members, local tree care companies, and the public.

The seminar was held March 13, 2025, from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Campbell County Extension Office (3500 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY 41076).

Lectures and outdoor demonstration topics included: 

• Brush management scenarios - Jody Thompson, Kentucky State University
• Pesticide safety and Licensing Requirements - Dr. Ric Bessin, UK Entomology
• Common invasives and management - DJ Scully, Campbell County Extension
• Demonstrations: assessing parasitic decay and corrective action to immature trees – Joe Shaw and Brian Kist, Davey Tree Experts

Lunch (barbecue buffet from Barleycorns) was provided. Attendees also receive free northern pecan tree plugs courtesy of Williams Creek Management and wildflower seed packets from the Campbell County Extension Service.

76 people were in attendance from the following places: Public Worker from KY: Newport, Southgate, Ft. Thomas, Cold Spring, Highland Heights, Silver Grove, Campbell County, Ludlow, Boone County, Florence, Edgewood, Public Workers from OH: Montgomery, Franklin. 21 people from private companies, 5 Students, 7 from Extension/Conservation District/Sanitation District NO. 1/ OKI Regional Council of Governments, 14 with unknown affiliations.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were offered for International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as well as KY and OH pesticide licenses. 19 arborists received 5 ISA CEUs. 42 applicators received 3 KY pesticide CEUs and 8 applicators received 3 OH pesticide CEUs.

Susan Brown, the chairperson of the NKY Urban and Community Forestry Council said, “Thank you so much for all your help yesterday! All the feedback I've gotten back so far has been very positive ("the most engaging speakers I've seen at this event since I've been coming!") DJ, please pass along my gratitude to the folks at Davey as well as Dr. Bessin.”