Join Now
Member Login
Join Now
Member Login

The newly revised UCFS Accreditation Program will be announced in late 2026!

UCFS Accreditation

Showcase urban forestry excellence!

UCFS has been hard at work revising and updating its Accreditation program in order to push urban and community forestry programs to new heights!

UCFS Accreditation sets a high bar and offers the highest recognition for notable accomplishments in urban forestry. Are you ready to demonstrate excellence in your urban forestry program!

Download Application
Pay Accreditation Fee
Pay Renewal Fee

UCFS will soon unveil its improved Accreditation program!
In the meantime, please read on to find out a bit more about what you can expect. 

Benefits of UCFS Accreditation

Your urban and community forestry program stands out as the best of the best. Now you can prove it through UCFS Accreditation.

The UCFS Accreditation program officially acknowledges municipalities that are dedicated to the growth, maintenance, and expansion of their urban and community forests. Accreditation provides an evaluation against industry standards and can be a catalyst for urban forestry stewardship, development of resources, and civic pride.

  • Achieving accreditation signifies an urban forest management program’s commitment to its local community and the environment.
  • Accredited programs are recognized for their efforts to continuously improve operations and outreach, ensuring professional excellence in managing and caring for community trees.
  • Accreditation serves as a valuable asset for administrators and elected officials, offering public relations opportunities to promote community achievements.
  • Accreditation celebrates the dedication of staff and team members who manage and care for urban trees, fostering a sense of pride in their vital role.
  • Displaying UCFS Accreditation and utilizing promotional materials is a powerful way to highlight the high standards of your program, showcasing recognition by professional peers and industry leaders.

Pre-Qualifications

The following qualifications are under review, however UCFS continues to see these parameters as key to a high-functioning urban forestry program. 

To pre-qualify for UCFS Accreditation, your urban forestry program must:

  • Have an urban and community forestry program that:
    • Outlines the responsibility for oversight of urban and community forestry activities
    • Directs the use of best management practices for the establishment, conservation, protection, and maintenance of public urban and community trees and forests
  • Have a tree inventory – full or partial inventory or a system of knowledge of the trees in your tree management area
  • Adhere to ANSI Z133.1 safety standards, and ANSI A300 tree care performance standards (or equivalents outside the U.S.)
    • These safety standards are included in contracts and required by contractors

Accreditation Process

The final touches are being put on the Accreditation program, but community forestry programs can expect the following process:

  • Self-Evaluation and Documentation of Proof
    • Through an online process, applicants will self-score themselves on the four standards outlined above. 
    • Documentation proving your adherence to the various standard criteria will be required. 
  • Peer Review
    • A jury of peers will review all submitted information and document questions or issues with the submission. Together, the peer review will make an initial designation on what tier level the community has achieved.
  • Interview
    • Each applicant will have an interview with the peer reviewers and UCFS staff. Here, the applicant can provide additional context and answer questions from the peer review.
      • The results of the interview may change the initial tier designation. 
  • Award and Achievement
    • After the above steps are completed, the applicant will be notified of the results. If it is determined that the applicant did not meet standards, reasons for the non-award will be provided. If the committee awards UCFS Accreditation, UCFS staff will work with the applicant to provide recognition materials. 
  • Recertification
    • All applicants will be required to recertify, and full details on this process are being finalized. 

Check back soon for additional details!

UCFS Accreditation FAQs
UCFS Accredited Cities

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.