In Memoriam: Julianne Skai Arbor (1969–2026)

We were shocked to learn that Julianne Skai Arbor, also known as TreeGirl, died in June 2026, following injuries sustained in a car accident. 

Members of the IOS who have attended the Triennial Conferences over the past several years will fondly remember Julianne. A joyful presence at IOS meetings, Julianne ran a booth selling prints and calendars of her stunning portraits of the world’s most fantastic trees, featuring herself within the canopy, naked and free. This provocative approach reflected her belief that “we are nature.” Her life’s work was devoted to connecting humanity with the very soul of the natural world.

Her stunning collection of portraits culminated in her remarkable book, TreeGirl: Intimate Encounters with Wild Nature, published in 2016. The book is both art and science. It includes detailed notes about the tree species she photographed using a tripod and timer. Included in the descriptions are the conservation status of the trees along with notes on the indigenous uses formed through thousands of years of cultural associations.

Tim Boland, IOS Board member, fondly remembers meeting Julianne at an IOS meeting: “I purchased a green “Oak Nerd” button that I proudly wear to this day. Later I bought more and shared them with students when teaching on oak diversity”. Tim adds, “With Julianne’s passing, we have lost an authentic part of our oak community; however, I can still imagine her in the canopy of trees, and it makes me smile.”

Follow the link below to read a full obituary in the Press Democrat, the local Sonoma County (California) newspaper: 

Julianne Skai Arbor: Obituary - The Press Democrat

Julianne presented a Lightning Talk at the 9th IOS Conference held at UC Davis, California, in October 2018. You can view the presentation here: Intimate Encounters with Wild Oaks

You can also access an online memorial here.