As a bit of history, David Stahle, Matt Therrell, Will Blozan, Mike
Perlman, and yours truly sat around my kitchen table in Oct 1996, with
liquid refreshments aplenty, discussing how best to give birth to ENTS
and stay focused on its mission - which has never changed. We didn't
want to have to acquire assets, worry over schedules, newsletters, and a
fiddle with a lot of administrative details that would detract from the
mission. Creating ENTS primarily as an internet based -organization
seemed to be the answer. Matt agreed to put together our website. The
University of Arkansas would be the host.

In terms of history, we had a rendezvous at MTSF in Nov 1998. That
was followed by a major rendezvous in MTSF in Oct 2001. In April 2002
and 2003, Cook Forest State Park hosted us. We'll likely return to Cook
in 2005. By then Dale will have measured just about everything that
sticks up above head height. In terms of other locations, it is
basically up to a local group to sponsor us. Our motto probably should
be "Have laser, clinometer, and other sundry items and will travel".

ENTS future expansion could be in the direction of partnerships. I'm
thinking specifically of the Rocky Mountain states courtesy of Don
Bertolette who is laying the groundwork for WNTS (Western Native
Tree Society). Don has the equipment and expertise. Unfortunately, he's
out there by his lonesome and I suspect the sheer geographical size of
the region and its remoteness is intimidating. Where to start? Where to
start?   

Thanks to the contributions of all of you, today's ENTS is a much
expanded and more important, potent organization. I like to think that
we are all equal in the eyes of the trees and each is empowered to speak
on behalf of the organization. In 1996 ENTS was a concept. Today it is a
reality.

Robert Leverett, Aug 04, 2003, November 20, 2003 

The 150 Club Dec 2002

Follow-up September 2011:   In July of 2011 the overall organization changed its' name to the Native Tree Society to reflect a broader geographic membership and was restructured to reflect this organizational change.  The organization has two formal chapters:  the Western Native Tree Society for those people in western North America, and the Eastern Native Tree Society covering the eastern United States and Canada.  Members from elsewhere in the world are considered to be members at large to the NTS.  Official membership in NTS is obtained by joining the NTS BBS at http://www.ents-bbs.org  The single BBS Forum is for all all members of the Native Tree Society and any  member may post in any forum regardless of their geographic location.