Next event announced for November 6, 2026

Mid-State’s Tree Tech 2025 was held Nov. 14 at the Wisconsin Rapids Campus. The day was a showcase of hands-on arboriculture training for high school juniors and seniors as well as the College’s Arboriculture students, alums and industry partners. The event highlighted the versatility, excitement and growing career demand within the arboriculture industry, an essential field supporting environmental health, community safety and critical infrastructure nationwide. 

Participants rotated through intensive skills-based stations including chainsaw safety and cutting techniques, tree climbing, plant and tree identification, and bucket truck operations. Students trained alongside expert professionals representing companies from across Wisconsin and the Midwest, with some traveling from as far as Texas to take part. The event also featured instruction from a world-renowned climbing trainer, giving students rare, elite-level insight typically reserved for advanced professional development. 

“This day is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Dr. Alex Lendved, dean of Mid-State’s Marshfield Campus and School of Applied Technology. “Students get hands-on experience right alongside the best in the business. Arboriculture is incredibly versatile, from climbing and rigging to tree health, utility and right-of-way work, vegetation management for railroads all over the country and even global conservation projects like working with canopy researchers on tree climbing skills. Tree Tech opens students’ eyes to just how far this career can take them.” 

Beyond the excitement of the day, Tree Tech plays an important role in addressing industry workforce needs. With arborists in high demand across commercial, utility, conservation and municipal sectors, exposure to real-world skills and professionals helps students better understand the range of career pathways before them. This early exploration is vital in preparing the next generation of tree care experts. 

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Davey Tree Experts, First Choice Tree Care, Wachtel Tree Science, and the Wisconsin Arborist Association, participation in Tree Tech 2025 was offered at no cost to students. Additional partners supporting this year’s event included IBEW/American Transmission Co., Willow River Company, Shadywood Tree Experts, Green Circle Tree LLC, Sky’s The Limit Tree Care LLC, and SavATree, LLC. 

Tree Tech continues to grow as a premier regional event connecting education and industry, strengthening workforce development and inspiring future arborists. 

Tree Tech 2026 will take place on November 6, 2026. More details will be shared in the coming months. Students, educators, industry partners and community members are encouraged to attend this unique, one-of-a-kind career exploration experience. Watch mstc.edu/events for updates.