Urban and Community Forestry

Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide environmental services such as clean air and water. Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at industrial brownfield sites. Read more about this critical resource in our program overview.

Call for nominations

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking nominations to fill three positions on the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council. Nominations must be received by September 3, 2008. [Download now, DOC 143 KB]

NY DEC Announces $900,000 in Urban Forestry Grants

Urban forestry grants totaling $900,000 are being awarded to communities and organizations across the state.

UNEP Billion Tree Campaign

Together, with the United Nations Environment Program's Billion Tree Campaign, let's plan 7 billion trees by the end of 2009! Over 2 billion trees have been planted to date.

16 honored for tree preservation

Respect for trees and their vital role in post-Katrina recovery were highlighted by the Mississippi Urban Forest Council.

Philadelphia Park Value Report: This report details the economic value of the city's park system from clean air, clean water, tourism, health, etc. Learn more and get involved at the 2008 International Urban Parks Conference - September 21-23, Pittsburgh, PA.

Rep. Doris Matsui Introduces the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act

By promoting the strategic planting of trees, the amount of energy needed to heat and cool homes will be reduced.

People give their time and money to things that they care about. In recent years, urban and community forests - key to the health and vitality of our nation's communities - have become a focal point for an ever increasing number of people. People realize that healthy urban forests grow investments in their communities. Investments in forests provide: clean air and water; energy conservation; reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and storm water management cost; contribute to human health and well being; increase real estate value and economic returns to businesses; mitigate higher density development; ease traffic flow; add beauty and breathing room with places to recreate and hold public events. The Forest Service is proud to act as partner and sponsor of work that helps connect people with nature and with each other. By restoring and sustaining the health of urban forests we not only preserve the unique sense of place found in our nation's cities and towns, but recognize our own place within these communities and the larger landscape.

Steve Marshall

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

Smart Growth for Clean Water: This EPA report identifies five smart growth approaches that can improve water quality including conservation and revitalization measures.

Urban Forest Health Monitoring: This pilot program provides field data on urban forests throughout the US to assess their status, how they are changing, and what factors might lead to change in the future.

Urban Treehouse: Urban Treehouses are environmental education spaces built outdoors in the city. Run by partnerships of government agencies, businesses, community groups, and nonprofit organizations, there are five treehouses across the US.