Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

The Future of Tree Inventories: AI, LiDAR, and Smart Urban Forest Management

May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT

A UCFS Learning Series Webinar – sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts

Tree inventories have come a long way from pen-and-paper surveys to cloud-based GIS systems—but the future is even smarter! Today, with cutting-edge technologies like AI, LiDAR, and machine learning, the way we assess, manage, and care for our urban forests is being completely transformed. These technologies enhance data accuracy, automate analysis, and provide real-time insights, empowering urban foresters to make more informed, efficient decisions. This exciting shift is not only about better managing our urban trees—it’s about shaping more resilient, sustainable communities.

As we face increasing challenges in maintaining healthy trees with limited resources, the need for smarter tree inventories has never been greater. These next-generation systems streamline species identification, risk assessment, and maintenance planning, helping you detect health threats early and optimize resource allocation. With the power of AI-driven tools, cities can expand canopy coverage, reduce heat islands, improve biodiversity, and address climate challenges, all while simplifying compliance and reporting requirements.

Join us to discover how the future of urban forestry is being shaped by these groundbreaking technologies. Whether you’re a city arborist, urban planner, or forestry professional, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge to harness the power of smart inventories and transform your urban forest management strategies. Register now to stay at the forefront of innovation and build healthier, more resilient urban forests for the future.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand and describe the role of AI, LiDAR, and machine learning in transforming tree inventories, risk assessments, and urban forest management.
  2. Assess and evaluate AI-powered tools to enhance data accuracy, streamline maintenance planning, and optimize resource allocation in urban forest decision-making and management.
  3. Develop strategies to implement Smart Tree Inventories into practical applications by identifying best practices, addressing implementation challenges, and leveraging AI-driven technologies in municipal tree management.

ISA CEUs applied for and pending.

Register here!

2025 UCFS Pre-Conference Tour

Climate Resilience Through Smarter Landscapes

Monday, November 17 from 1:00-4:00pm

To join us, add the tour with your registration!

Join the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) and the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation for a half-day bus tour exploring how urban forestry practices are evolving to meet the challenges of a hotter, drier climate. This tour is designed for practitioners, planners, and policymakers interested in practical, replicable strategies for building climate-resilient urban landscapes with limited water resources.

Throughout the tour, we’ll explore how cities can proactively adapt to aridification by redesigning public spaces, rethinking irrigation systems, and collaborating across departments and with community partners. Expect a balance of big-picture strategy and actionable detail.

Featured Tour Stops and Highlights:

🌿 Turf Removal & Tree Replacement at Community Parks
See how traditional grass lawns are being replaced with water-smart landscapes by the City of Henderson. At one park site, learn how a communication challenge over tree removals evolved into a model of public engagement, resulting in more—and better—trees planted with long-term resilience in mind.

🦉 Bird Preserve and Partnership with Audubon Society
Explore a vibrant bird preserve developed through a partnership between the City of Henderson and the local Audubon Society. Discover how external collaborations can unlock funding (including grants) and expand habitat while boosting urban canopy goals.

🚧 Street Diet and Green Infrastructure
Visit a transformed urban street where pavement removal made way for tree planting pits and green infrastructure. This site demonstrates how every tree in Henderson is planted with a sustainable irrigation plan—and how all cities can innovate in the right-of-way.

💧 Irrigation Systems & Incentive Programs
Get practical insights on installing and maintaining efficient irrigation systems in challenging settings. Learn how internal and external partnerships (including with the Southern Nevada Water Authority) are creating incentives that drive real change toward water-wise tree planting and landscaping.

What You’ll Take Home:

  • Practical tips for managing urban forests with less water
  • Strategies for working across departments and building collaborative teams
  • Lessons from real-world partnerships with nonprofits, utilities, and the public
  • Inspiration to rethink green infrastructure in your community

Special Guests:

We’ll be joined on the tour by guest speakers from the, local Audubon Society, City of Henderson Sustainability Office and the Southern Nevada Water Authority, who will share insider perspectives on interagency collaboration and the mechanics of water incentive programs.