Building Urban Forest Resilience

The Resilient Canopy is a new series of features in City Trees, the magazine produced by UCFS, that explore the challenges and successes of our members and colleagues in addressing climate change impacts.

UCFS Mentoring Program

We’re fostering growth in more than just trees. Our mentoring program provides mutual benefits to mentors and mentees, providing opportunities to learn and grow from each other.

Municipal Forestry Institute

An exciting week of high-level training, inspiration, leadership growth, and community building, the MFI is a unique opportunity for urban forestry professionals to learn and network with fellow foresters.

Accreditation

When it comes to standards in urban and community forestry programs, UCFS Accreditation sets the bar. Join the best tree programs around the world and get accredited today!

Arborist Exchange

Exchange experience, ideas, and technology with urban forestry professionals from around the world!

Urban Forestry Foundation

Dedicated to empowering and educating municipal arboriculturists and communities through research programs and training initiatives, the UFF is here to make sure we’re all on the same page when it comes to the value of trees and developments in the industry.

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.