Urban forests are trees for people! They are dynamic ecosystems that provide environmental services such as clean air and water. Trees cool cities and save energy; improve air quality; strengthen quality of place and local economies; reduce storm water runoff; improve social connections; complement smart growth; and create walkable communities. Learn more about this critical resource and what the Forest Service is doing to protect it.

Trees for People: Urban Forestry Speaker Series

Spring 2009

April 8, 10-11 AM: Surprise! “You did that with i-Tree?”

May 21, 1:30 PM: The Pentagon Memorial and the USFS Living Memorials Project

Future events and more info!

Urban and Community Forestry Special Focus Grants application now available on www.grants.gov!

Tree-planting jobs are first funded by stimulus

At a cost of $700,000, 20 people will be hired to plant trees in state parks and clear brush for fire protection in Nevada.

Trees to mark life’s milestones

The Georgia Forestry Commission and Urban Forest Council hope others may commemorate life moments with their new website.

Green infrastructure: Conservation planning using a green infrastructure approach helps communities balance environmental and economic goals to achieve smarter, more sustainable land use patterns.

Planning the Urban Forest: This report addresses the need for planners to adopt a green infrastructure approach and presents the technical means to incorporate trees into planning. Find out how communities can develop urban forestry programs to capture the social and environmental benefits of trees.

Protecting and Developing the Urban Tree Canopy: The 135-city survey by the US Conference of Mayors found 84% of cities view their tree activities as part of their overall sustainability and/or climate protection efforts.

Urban Tree Utilization and Why it Matters: Utilization of urban trees for wood and paper products is a new idea but one that is drawing more attention from many fields. This report by Dovetail Partners, Inc. addresses big questions related to the amount of wood in urban areas, viable examples of urban tree utilization industries, and others.