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Community Needs Assessment for Resilient Urban Forestry Programs

December 17 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CST

Join us for the UCFS Learning Series – generously supported by Bartlett Tree Experts!

While many municipalities share common challenges, each community operates within a unique context that shapes the response to these challenges. In this webinar, we will introduce a Framework for Assessing Community Forestry Needs, a practical approach to identify the distinct characteristics, priorities, and conditions that influence local urban forestry programs — insights that are essential for developing or updating tree ordinances that serve as a strong foundation for cohesive and resilient municipal forestry efforts.

Participants will be guided through a step-by-step process for assessing urban forestry programs to uncover critical challenges such as misaligned policies, funding gaps, and infrastructure conflicts. Through real-world examples and proven strategies, you’ll discover how to respond to these challenges and foster more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient municipal forestry programs.

Join us to explore how this valuable community forestry needs assessment can align policy, practice, and community priorities —strengthening both your program and the urban forest it serves.

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

  1. Apply the Community Forestry Needs Assessment to identify unique community needs and evaluate critical challenges.
  2. Transform assessment findings into actionable strategies that guide the creation and improvement of effective, locally relevant tree ordinances.
  3. Design approaches that build cohesive, inclusive, and resilient municipal forestry programs, strengthening alignment between policy, practice, and community engagement.

ISA CEUs applied for and pending.

Register today!

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.