CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Ron Schraven
DutchTrig and Scion
SPEAKER BIO
Ron is a Dutch consulting arborist and ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Leading a team of Plant Health Care specialists at idverde Bomendienst, a prominent tree consulting firm, he is passionate about saving elm trees worldwide.
He has worked in and supported the tree industry for 22 years in plant health care, tree care, and research. His goal is to develop tree health care into the 21st century through practical applied tree science, his problem-solving nature and his determination to decrease the use of pesticides.
Ron has shared his expertise at conferences for different tree chapters internationally and has taught students at universities in several countries. He has always been passionate about sharing knowledge and learning.
Ron’s past as a rugby player, now trainer/coach for U16 and being a passionate fly fisher shows his love for the outdoors. Both trees and rugby are passions he picked up during his stay working for Manukau City Council’s Park department. And he always enjoys coming back to New Zealand.
TALK TITLE
Integrated Elm Program
ABSTRACT
Elm trees are one of the best city trees! Obviously they provide a variety of ecosystem services such as purification of air and water; climate regulation; temperature moderation and erosion and flood control but besides that its beautiful shape, its tolerance to polluted air and its suitability for various soils makes the elm very suitable for urban environments. It is also one of the few trees that can tolerate the salty sea winds of the coast.
However there is a problem! It is called Dutch Elm Disease. This disease, present in Europe for over 100 years was long thought to be unstoppable. And millions of elms worldwide did succumb. But with the right management strategy elms can still grow to be the magnificent tree it is and be enjoyed for generations longer. In this presentation we look at the collaboration between various partners to save the elms of New Zealand