ACC’S Riley recognized for arboriculture educational opportunities

The NC Urban Forest Council has named an Alamance Community College educator as one of seven individuals across the state to be recognized for their efforts to manage, grow and protect North Carolina’s urban forests.

Dr. Elizabeth Riley, Department Head of Horticulture Technology and Agricultural Biotechnology at ACC, will receive the 2022 Outstanding Professional award “in recognition of her implementation of the Arboriculture Certificate and Apprenticeship Program to aid career development efforts in the field of urban forestry.” The Urban Forestry Awards will be presented at the Great NC Tree annual conference in September.

Riley’s participation with that organization resulted in Alamance Community College’s development and inauguration of a first in North Carolina – an Arboriculture certificate through its continuing education department, an apprenticeship program in the curriculum area, plus industry professional development opportunities on campus.

Alamance Community College now offers training in areas such as tree care management, tree climbing, safety, equipment operations, and many more. ACC has also recently initiated an apprenticeship where participants can work with an industry partner company while also attending the college to begin working on their Associate in Applied Science degree.

For more information about ACC’s Arboriculture educational opportunities, call Dr. Riley in the Horticulture Department at 336-506-4192.