The profession of urban forestry and municipal arboriculture is a rich and growing field. Furthering your education or acquiring a certification is a great way to grow your career and help you stand out. UCFS supports and encourages members and individuals entering the field of urban forestry and municipal arboriculture to grow their knowledge base. The following programs for certification and additional education offer a few places to start.
The ISA Certified Arborist designation sets you apart as someone with the commitment, dedication, and knowledge to succeed. It is ISA’s most popular credential. To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere a Code of Ethics that strengthens the credibility and reliability of the workforce.
ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional (formerly called ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist®) credential holders are recognized by their peers and the public as tree care professionals who have attained a fundamental level of knowledge in core areas of the arboriculture practice within an urban forest context and management of trees as a community providing societal benefits. Areas of knowledge measured include communication skills, public relations, policy and planning, administration, risk management, and arboricultural practices.
The ISA Credentialing Council requires a candidate to either: be an ISA Certified Arborist®; OR (ii) have a minimum of three years of documented and verifiable
work experience in a position managing the establishment and maintenance of urban trees; or (iii) have a combination of relevant education and practical experience.
Explore the various ways you can extend your urban forestry education with these university programs. UCFS will add to this list of educational offerings as we become aware of them.
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Urban Forestry
Mater of Urban Forestry Leadership (Online) and Urban Forestry Undergraduate
Associate of Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture
Bachelor of Science in Forestry with Area of Emphasis in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry
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.
