Carolina Canopy Workshop- Utility Arboriculture
Jun 30, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mecklenburg County Extension Office, 2415 Lester St, Charlotte, NC 28208
Agenda:
8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Registration
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Roadside Setup Safety
In this session, we will learn about the measures that can be taken while providing tree and landscape care along roads.
Celeste Hardy, NC Department of Labor
Celeste Hardy has worked with the NC Department of Labor for 6 years. Prior to her work with the state, she gained 15 years of experience as a Safety Consultant and Technical Consultant Trainer for a major insurance company. She holds her MESH in GI, IH, and Construction, and is on a team working to develop arborist guidelines. She earned her degree from Clemson University.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Utility Arboriculture
In this session we will discuss right of ways, construction zones, permitting for utility work, and utility arboriculture best practices. We will also discuss the importance of the interactions between trees and utilities.
Gregory Zickgraf, Senior Vegetation Manager, Duke Energy Corporation
Greg Zickgraf is Senior Vegetation Program Manager with Duke Energy in Western NC Mountain Zone. Supervising tree trimming, hazard tree removals, herbicide application, and aerial saw work. His previous experience spans from outdoor education and leadership to reforestation specialties in North Carolina, Tennessee, and beyond.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Utility Arboriculture Safety
Duke Energy Corporation professionals will be demonstrating proper safety practices and personal protective equipment when working near utility resources. They will utilize a Duke Energy utility arboriculture safety van demonstration to reinforce the importance of safe practices.
Jeremiah Gilbert, Senior Safety Training Specialist, Duke Energy Corporation
Jeremiah Gilbert leads numerous safety training sessions for Duke Energy Corporation along with a specialized team of linemen, promoting proper care of vegetation near utility resources.
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
CEUs:
- SAF: Pending
- NCLCLB: Pending
- Pesticide: Pending
ISA CEUs:
- Pending
REGISTER HERE
2415 Lester St, Charlotte, NC 28208
