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1981: Gypsy moth infestation reaches a new record high across the Northeast and defoliates nearly 1 million acres of forest in Connecticut.

1982: The CTPA helps to defeat a "Sunset" Committee recommendation to close the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

1982: The Legislative Review and Investigations Committee votes to terminate the Arborist Law effective next year.

1983: The CTPA fights to keep the Arborist Law and defeats the Committee’s efforts in the Legislature.

1985: Hemlock woolly adelgid, a devastating exotic pest of hemlock, is observed for the first time in Connecticut on residential trees in Middlebury and New Haven.

1985: Hurricane Gloria sweeps across Long Island Sound and causes widespread destruction of trees, especially along coastal Connecticut.

1985-7: CTPA observes Arbor Day by pruning trees along more than 2 miles of the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways and at a Boy Scout camp.

1988: Alan Carey is appointed Executive Secretary of the CTPA and within two years he assumes the editorial duties as well. He revitalizes the newsletter and elevates the organization to greater prominence.

1989: A fungus that kills gypsy moth is discovered for the first time in Connecticut and elsewhere. Pest populations crash throughout the Northeast and remain in check by this fungus.

1989: A devastating tornado in July carves a path of destruction from Salisbury to New Haven and topples the Cathedral Pines, a historic grove of white pines in Cornwall.

1991: The CTPA helps to defeat a legislative bill that would create a separate license for personnel who trim trees along utility rights of way.

1992: Oscar P. Stone is awarded the position of Director Emeritus of the CTPA by the Board of Directors.

1992: The CTPA creates the Arbor Day Essay Contest for 5^th grade students.

1993-7: The CTPA receives $19,000 in grants to help fund its educational programs and Arbor Day Activities.

1994: A white oak tree is planted at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to commemorate the establishment of the Oscar P. Stone Research Trust Fund.

1996: The CTPA helps to defeat a proposal to eliminate funding for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

1996: Chris Donnelly is appointed Executive Secretary of the CTPA and assumes the editorial duties as well.

1996: The CTPA establishes the "Arboriculture 101" course to prepare prospective tree workers for the arborist license exam.

1997: The Diamond Anniversary Meeting of the CTPA is held in Plantsville.

1998:  CTPA is instrumental in the revision of the Arborist Law, that gives administration of the license to the Department of Environmental Protection.  It is anticipated that DEP will be much be able to aggressively enforce the licensing provisions, thus doing much to advance the cause of professional tree care.  Governor John Rowland signs this bill, which became law on October 1, 1998.

1999: The CTPA is an organization of over 500 members. We advance the care of Connecticut’s trees by providing education, leadership and support for tree care givers.

2000: A new millennium, and a new opportunity to advance the state of tree care in Connecticut!  Membership breaks the 550 mark, and the Association honors one of its best known members, Oscar P. Stone, through a lifetime achievement award.

2001: CTPA begins its 79th year by awarding its first ever Arborist Scholarship, to Ms. Kristeena DiPasquale of Berlin.

2003:  Membership now tops 645.  CTPA membership remains as diverse as ever, with tree wardens, interested citizens and students continuing to swell its ranks.  To continue its good work, CTPA appoints Rita Smith as Executive Director.  The Association also declares Mark McClure as an Honorary Member, and establishes Dr. Mark S. McClure Scholarship in his honor.

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