William Baker

Principal

Academic Background

  • University of Redlands, Redlands, CA – BA, Environmental Studies

Certifications and Licenses

  • ISA Certified Arborist
  • Certified Golf Course Superintendent
  • California Pest Control Advisers License (PCA)
  • Qualified Applicators License for Pesticides
  • Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)
  • Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL Program)

Professional Roles and Affiliations

  • Southern California Turfgrass Council, Past President
  • Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Past National Delegate
  • California Golf Course Superintendents Association, Past President
  • Hi-Lo Desert Golf Course Superintendent Association, Past President
  • San Diego Golf Course Superintendent Association, Past President
  • International Society of Arboriculture
  • American Society of Agronomy
  • Irrigation Association
  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers

Special Training

  • National Institute of Golf Course Management, Wheeling, WV

Committee Assignments

  • Advisory Committee for all UCR Extension Horticulture Programs

William Baker, WBA Principal, has been active in the Green Industry for over four decades, frequently taking leadership roles in several of the Industry’s professional associations. He is a past president of four separate Industry-related associations and has served as an officer and director of others. Bill has authored over 50 articles for industry publications. He has participated as a guest speaker, trainer, and facilitator at numerous seminars and conferences.

He serves as Consultant for all Green Industry Certification Programs at University of California Extension at Riverside. He was instrumental in developing the original programs and has provided instruction in numerous classes. He develops one-day seminars, as well as training institutes that run from one to two weeks in length. Bill is conversational in Spanish.

Selected Accomplishments

Damage Assessment of Trees/Landscapes from Wildfires
* Listed by order of the fire ignition year

  • Woolsey Fire 2018
  • Irish Fire 2018
  • Ranch Fire 2017
  • Butte Fire 2015
  • San Diego County Wildfires 2007
  • Cedar Fire, San Diego County 2003
  • Old Fire, Lake Arrowhead Region 2003

Notable Published Works

  • Capitol Park Training Manual, Co-Author Descriptions and Guidelines for Horticultural Practices
  • ISHS Acta Horticulturae, Research Publication – Maintaining Urban Landscape Health and Services on Reduced Irrigation
  • University of California and Cal Recycle Agency Publication, Contributor / Project Manager – Compost Use for Environmental and Landscape Enhancement

Notable Speaking / Training Engagements

  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers Annual Conference, Reno, NV
  • International Lawn and Garden Show, Louisville, KY
  • Indiana Arborist Association Winter Conference, Indianapolis, IN
  • Alberta Golf Course Property Managers Conference, Calgary, Canada
  • California Weed Conference, Santa Barbara, CA
  • National Forestry School, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic