Ask most people this question and they will often answer no...at first. When many people think of a forest, they think of expansive acreages of trees such as those in National Forests, tree farms, or in some of our National Parks. These are the forests where the trees outnumber people, where the ground is springy, where you can often hear yourself breathe; and in whose streams salmon spawn. These are the forests where humans tend to be visitors; and these are the forests that occupy most of our imaginations.
However, there is another type of forest that we often overlook, perhaps in large part because we are so close to it. Take a look outside -- at the trees in your yard, along your city streets, or in parks and natural areas within your city of town. This array of trees and related vegetation, often interspersed with buildings and roads, home to squirrels and sparrows, composes an urban forest. An urban forest is a mosaic of the planted landscape and the native forest remnants left behind as our cities developed. It is not a forest where we are visitors; it is the forest where we live.
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Urban and Community Forestry refers to the management of the trees in our cities. The planting and care of plants is referred to as horticulture, and the planting and care of trees is called arboriculture. When the entire natural landscape of a city is managed as a system, the process is called urban and community forestry. In the United States, eighty percent (80%) of the population lives with the incorporated boundaries of a city or town. This suggests that close to 80% of Americans live in an urban forest. If you live in a small town, the word "urban" may not seem to apply to where you live, so feel free to substitute "community forest" (since most of us are members of some sort of community). No matter what we call it, it is the forest where we live. |
How important is this urban forest? You might be surprised at the contributions your urban forest makes to the economic, social, and environmental health of your city. Research scientists have proven that trees in our cities provide extensive environmental benefits such as carbon dioxide exchange, decrease in energy use, air pollution reduction, and water quality improvements. Increased property values, attractive business districts that draw more shoppers, and higher occupancy rates in tree-shaded office parks reflect some of the economic benefits of urban trees. Social scientists have demonstrated that interaction with plants in urban settings helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves medical recovery and convalescence, contributes to greater job satisfaction and productivity, and generally enhances the quality of community life.
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Who is responsible for managing your urban forest? People who work in the field of Urban and Community Forestry include arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, landscapers, planners, nursery owners, and many others. Depending on its size and its commitment to livability, your city may have a program led by a city forester or city arborist who directs the management of the trees along the city streets and in the parks. Your town may also be fortunate to have a volunteer non-profit group that helps plant new trees in the community. Your town may also have citizens serving on an urban forestry commission, or tree board, interacting with city staff and city officials to decide on how best to manage your urban forest. If you live in a small town, there may not be city staff dedicated solely to tree issues, and volunteers may play an even more important role.
So what about the trees in the urban forest where you live? How healthy are they? How can you help improve your quality of life through caring for the urban forest? Well, it starts with the trees in your yard. Are they healthy? Are there enough of them? Are they the right species and are they planted in the right places? And what about the trees in your neighborhood?
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The same questions apply. Fortunately, there are many websites out there than can provide you with an abundance of information to help you learn about trees, tree care, and the urban forest. This web site will link you with a variety of such sites...but you are likely to find many more as you go along. Some of these pages are in .pdf (Portable Document File) format, and require Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, a free software program available for download from Adobe® Systems.
The Oregon Department of Forestry´s urban forestry staff (pdf) has tried to anticipate your every question and put together a list of FAQ´s (Frequently Asked Questions) about trees and urban forestry.
Urban Growth Boundaries and the Oregon Forest Practices Act (pdf)
Thanks for visiting this page. The more you know about trees, tree care, and urban forestry, the more you can make a difference in your community.
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