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Turning Data into Action — How Tampa is Rebuilding an Equitable and Resilient Urban Forest

January 21, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CST

Thanks to Bartlett Tree Experts – our Exclusive Learning Series Partner!

Join the first Learning Series session of the year! Learn how the City of Tampa is transforming its urban forestry efforts by building not just a tree planting program, but a coordinated system that connects data, city departments and community partners. This session highlights how Tampa is translating two decades of canopy loss and urban heat data into strategic, equity-focused tree plantings across both public and private property.

Following major hurricane impacts, the City of Tampa has turned post-storm recovery into an opportunity to restore and reimagine its urban forest. Through the Trees for Tampa initiative, multiple city departments, nonprofits, and private partners are working together to restore canopy cover, enhance resilience, and promote the benefits of trees to all residents.

Join us to explore critical insights from Tampa for municipal foresters who are navigating similar challenges of canopy decline, climate stress, and the need for coordinated, data-driven action.

Approved for one ISA CEU.

Register today!

Details

Date:
January 21, 2026
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CST

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.