The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) seeks presentations for its 60th Annual International Conference and Trade Show to be held on November 16 and 17, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri. The UCFS annual conference brings together the frontline, boots-on-the-ground urban and community forestry professionals who are charged with making daily tree stewardship decisions in communities across the world.
This year, we are inviting proposals that focus on how to continue moving urban forestry forward in the face of mounting pressure – pest and disease issues, competing priorities, a changing climate, tight budgets, and more.
Urban foresters operate at the intersection of multiple disciplines, blending science, policy, management, and community engagement to create sustainable and thriving urban forests. With ever-expanding responsibilities and increased pressure, urban forestry professionals need practical, real-world solutions that can be implemented effectively to address today’s challenges.
We seek proposals that provide evidence-based techniques, emerging best practices, and forward-thinking approaches that will empower urban foresters to make an immediate and lasting impact in their communities. We encourage proposals from communities of all sizes and stories that tell both the challenges and the triumphs of your work.
We welcome proposals that explore topics such as:
Proposal Form: Complete the online form below. You can save your form and return to it later.
Learning Objectives: All submissions must include three clear learning objectives that convey the presenter’s intent of what the attendees will learn from the presentation. When writing learning objectives consider Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure that presentations promote meaningful learning and skill development. Objectives should focus on measurable outcomes, such as applying new techniques, analyzing case studies, or creating innovative solutions using action verbs that reflect different cognitive levels—such as understanding key concepts, evaluating strategies, or implementing best practices in urban forestry.
Session Format: Although PowerPoint presentations are common, other presentation formats are encouraged. Indicate the format of your presentation and any equipment needs.
Session Length: Presentation length can be short form of 7-15 minutes or longer form of 30-60 minutes (single or multiple presenters). We are also seeking topics for our popular Canopy Conversation facilitated roundtables – discussions on key topics, led by a conversation leader.
Length of sessions may need to be adapted to fit the overall program, and you may be asked if you’re willing to lengthen or shorten your presentation.
Proposals are due no later than 5:00 pm CDT on May 29, 2026. Presenters accepted for the program will be notified by July 15th at the latest. The conference program will be finalized by late-July.
Monday, November 16 from 1:00-4:00pm
To join us, add the tour with your registration!
Before conference sessions begin, join fellow urban and community forestry professionals for a guided tour of St. Louis that explores the city’s urban forest through the lens of history, resilience, equity, and community investment. From iconic parks to neighborhoods experiencing both environmental challenges and revitalization, you’ll discover how planning decisions, natural disaster recovery, and community partnerships are shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
Our journey begins at Brickline Greenway near Energizer Park, where an ambitious green infrastructure vision is reconnecting neighborhoods and expanding access to greenspace. From there, we’ll travel through the iconic Forest Park to explore the legacy of one of America’s great urban parks and the stewardship practices that continue to make it a model for urban forestry and public space.
As we travel through St. Louis neighborhoods, we’ll view the city’s history through its trees. We will see firsthand how communities are restoring and reimagining their urban forests through community-driven initiatives that are reversing damage from recent devastating tornado and the legacy of historic redlining and its influence on tree canopy distribution.
Along the way, we’ll stop at O’Fallon Park to explore ongoing restoration and neighborhood revitalization efforts before concluding at Kiener Plaza Park, where thoughtful landscape design and thriving urban greenspace showcase the power of trees to create welcoming, resilient downtown environments.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see examples of these critical urban forestry practices:
More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues who share a passion for building stronger urban forests. Come see St. Louis through a new lens and leave inspired with innovative ideas and practical insights.
Special Guests:
We’ll be joined on the tour by guest speakers from the City of St. Louis Forestry, Great Rivers Greenway, and Forest ReLeaf who will share insider perspectives on organizational collaboration.
