The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) seeks presentations for its 60th Annual International Conference and Trade Show to be held on November 16 and 17, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri. The UCFS annual conference brings together the frontline, boots-on-the-ground urban and community forestry professionals who are charged with making daily tree stewardship decisions in communities across the world.
This year, we are inviting proposals that focus on how to continue moving urban forestry forward in the face of mounting pressure – pest and disease issues, competing priorities, a changing climate, tight budgets, and more.
Urban foresters operate at the intersection of multiple disciplines, blending science, policy, management, and community engagement to create sustainable and thriving urban forests. With ever-expanding responsibilities and increased pressure, urban forestry professionals need practical, real-world solutions that can be implemented effectively to address today’s challenges.
We seek proposals that provide evidence-based techniques, emerging best practices, and forward-thinking approaches that will empower urban foresters to make an immediate and lasting impact in their communities. We encourage proposals from communities of all sizes and stories that tell both the challenges and the triumphs of your work.
We welcome proposals that explore topics such as:
Proposal Form: Complete the online form below. You can save your form and return to it later.
Learning Objectives: All submissions must include three clear learning objectives that convey the presenter’s intent of what the attendees will learn from the presentation. When writing learning objectives consider Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure that presentations promote meaningful learning and skill development. Objectives should focus on measurable outcomes, such as applying new techniques, analyzing case studies, or creating innovative solutions using action verbs that reflect different cognitive levels—such as understanding key concepts, evaluating strategies, or implementing best practices in urban forestry.
Session Format: Although PowerPoint presentations are common, other presentation formats are encouraged. Indicate the format of your presentation and any equipment needs.
Session Length: Presentation length can be short form of 7-15 minutes or longer form of 30-60 minutes (single or multiple presenters). We are also seeking topics for our popular Canopy Conversation facilitated roundtables – discussions on key topics, led by a conversation leader.
Length of sessions may need to be adapted to fit the overall program, and you may be asked if you’re willing to lengthen or shorten your presentation.
Proposals are due no later than 5:00 pm CDT on May 29, 2026. Presenters accepted for the program will be notified by July 15th at the latest. The conference program will be finalized by late-July.
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:
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.
