Welcome to the Virginia Association of Forest Health Professionals

The Virginia Association of Forest Health Professionals formed in 1991 at the height of the gypsy moth outbreak in Virginia.The organization recognized the need for information exchange between the state and local coordinators who were administering gypsy moth spray programs.At that time, the group was known at the Association of Virginia Gypsy Moth Managers. In 2007, the name was changed in order to better reflect our broader concerns with other invasive species affecting the Eastern forests.

We host an annual conference each year with a focus on emerging pests, updates on existing issues and other related forestry, forest ecology and forest health topics. We offer recertification credits for the commercial pesticide applicators’ license and offer continuing education credits for the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

Our conference is attended by local, state and federal officials, independent contractors, horticulture and forest industry representatives and students. However, the annual conference is open to anyone interested in the ecology of the Mid-Atlantic.The Virginia Association of Forest Health Professionals is committed to developing and providing education and training for natural resource professionals. The VAFHP shall endeavor to provide educational and certification programs which meet local, state, federal and industry standards.