Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to support the urban forest? If so, we want to recognize them for their achievements! Please nominate deserving individuals or organizations for one or more of the awards listed below.
The UCFS Conference Committee will review all nominees, and the winners will be recognized at this year’s annual conference and tradeshow being held in St. Louis, Missouri on November 17, 2026. Find out more about the conference here.
Below, you can review each award category. When you’re ready, fill out the nomination form. Nominations are due August 28, 2026.
Award of Merit
For advancing the profession of arboriculture and urban forestry
The Award of Merit, the highest honor the Society can bestow, recognizes outstanding meritorious services by a member who advances the principals, ideals, and practices of municipal arboriculture and urban forestry.
Award of Achievement
For advancing the public’s commitment to community trees and forests
The Award of Achievement is presented to a member who has clearly advanced the public’s awareness of, and commitment to urban forests and trees.
Young or Emerging Professional Award
For making early, significant strides in an urban forestry career
The Young or Emerging Professional award recognizes an UCFS member aged 35 or under who has made significant contributions to the urban forest whether through volunteering, their academic pursuits, or early career achievements.
Legacy Project of the Year Award
For an innovative project, program, or partnership that has demonstrated results.
The Legacy Project of the Year Award is presented to an agency or organization that has raised public awareness and appreciation of community trees and urban forests through a unique and innovative project, program, or partnership that includes the work of an ISA Urban Forest Professional (previously Certified Municipal Specialist), or a UCFS Accredited Municipal Program.
i-Tree Innovation Award
For creative applications of i-Tree tools to enhance community forest management
The i-Tree innovation award is awarded to a member, agency, or community for successful implementation of a project or program using i-Tree as an integral component.
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.
