Illinois Arborist Association

06/10/2026

The Jeremy Dunivan Spirit of the Competition Award honors the qualities Jeremy embodied throughout his life and career: sportsmanship, encouragement, kindness, and a genuine passion for arboriculture.

This year, we were especially honored to welcome Jeremy's wife and children to the Illinois Tree Climbing Championship. Their presence served as a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact Jeremy had on our tree care community and the legacy that continues to inspire us.

Congratulations to Lisa Mende, recipient of the 2026 Jeremy Dunivan Spirit of the Competition Award!

Thank you to Jeremy's wife, Tiffany, and his children for making a special trip out to be with us in memory of Jeremy. 💚

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Join Us for the 2026 IAA Summer Conference!

Urban trees play a vital role in our communities, and proper management is key to keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving.

This year's conference theme is Managing Urban Trees: Assessment, Pruning, Protection, & Stewardship. Join fellow arborists, municipal staff, and tree care professionals for education, networking, and practical insights you can apply in the field.

📅 July 16–17, 2026
📍 Marriott Hotel & Conference Center & ISU Fell Arboretum | Normal, IL
🎓 Earn 4 ISA CEUs

Learn more & register: https://illinoisarborist.org/summer-conference/

06/07/2026

🌳🏅 2026 Illinois Tree Climbing Championship - Masters’ Challenge Results

The Masters’ Challenge wrapped up this afternoon with an outstanding display of skill, speed, and precision from Illinois’ top climbers!

Men’s Masters’ Challenge
🥇 Ryan Sams
🥈 Josh Arington
🥉 Daniel Sancen

Women’s Masters’ Challenge
🥇 Libby Bower
🥈 Dana Brelowski
🥉 Liz Carroll

Congratulations to all of our finalists for putting on an incredible show and demonstrating the professionalism, athleticism, and technical expertise that make arboriculture such an exciting profession.

Thank you to our competitors, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators for making another successful Illinois Tree Climbing Championship possible!

06/07/2026

Preliminary Event Results Are In! 🏆

After an exciting day of preliminary events at the Illinois Tree Climbing Championship, the top competitors have earned their place in today’s Master’s Challenge!

Men's Finalist
🥇 Ryan Sams
🥈 Daniel Sancen
🥉 Josh Arington

Women's Finalist
🥇 Libby Bower
🥈 Dana Brelowski
🥉 Liz Carroll

Congratulations to all of our competitors for their outstanding performances throughout the preliminary events. We can’t wait to see these climbers put their skills to the test in the Master’s Challenge today!

Who will take home the title? Stay tuned to find out the winners of the Master's Challenge!

🌳🏆

06/05/2026

Setting up for the Tree Climbing Competition at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Come out tomorrow and cheer on our climbers!

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

The countdown is on!

Join us this Saturday and Sunday in Naperville, IL for the Illinois Tree Climbing Championship! Watch some of the region’s most skilled arborists compete in exciting events that showcase the athleticism, technique, and safety practices used in professional tree care.

Bring the family and enjoy:
🌳 Tree Climbing Competition Events
🎪 Arbor Fair Exhibitors & Activities
🍃 Tree Care Education & Resources
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for all ages

Spectator admission is free, and everyone is welcome!

📍 Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville, IL
📅 June 6–7, 2026

Who are you cheering for this year? 👏🌳

05/27/2026

🚨 Volunteers Needed for the Illinois Tree Climbing Championship! 🚨

We’re looking for volunteers to help make the 2026 Illinois Tree Climbing Championship a success on June 6–7 at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL!

Current volunteer needs:
🌳 Scoring Judges
🌳 Tree Technicians
🌳 Ground Technicians

Volunteering is a great opportunity to connect with others in the industry, gain hands-on experience, support the climbing community, and be part of an exciting weekend of competition.

Interested in helping?

Sign up here:
https://illinoisarborist.org/volunteer-for-the-illinois-tree-climbing-championship/

Questions? Email April - [email protected]

05/22/2026

Check this out! Trees, nature, wellness and the ecological benefits they provide! Great work bringing the value of trees to the big stage! Find your way to Merchandise Mart to check it out this weekend!



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GRGJXrf96/?mibextid=wwXIfr