The Mission and History of ISA
The ISA Mission Statement
Through research, technology, and education, the International Society of Arboriculture promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees.
A Tradition of Professionalism
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has served the tree care industry for 90 years as a scientific and educational organization. ISA was founded in 1924 when a group of 40 individuals, each engaged in a phase of tree work or research, were called together by the Connecticut Tree Protection Examining Board to discuss shade tree problems and their possible solutions. It was during this meeting that the group identified a need for gathering tree care information and for providing a means for its dissemination. The National Shade Tree Conference was founded soon after.
The National Shade Tree Conference experienced gradual growth until 1929, when the economy in the United States collapsed and membership in the young organization sank to 14 and continued to look bleak for several years. In 1936, membership experienced a spike and grew from 33 to 147. With few exceptions, steady growth has been seen every year since.
Due to its influence and membership spreading beyond the borders of the United States, the organization changed its name to the International Shade Tree Conference in 1968. Only a few years later, in 1976, in order to more accurately reflect its broadening scope, the name was again changed, this time to the International Society of Arboriculture.
ISA continues to be a dynamic medium through which arborists around the world share their experience and knowledge for the benefit of society. ISA is aligned on many fronts with other green organizations and is working hard to foster a better understanding of trees and tree care through research and the education of professionals as well as global efforts to inform tree care consumers.
To read more about the history of ISA, take a trip down memory lane.
Your Invitation
Today, more than 20,000 International Society of Arboriculture members invite you to join them in support of an organization dedicated to you, the tree care professional. We encourage you to explore what we have to offer and consider what ISA membership could mean to you.