Annual UCFS Conference and Tradeshow

Henderson, Nevada | November 17-18, 2025

Join us for THE conference for urban and community forestry professionals!

Each year, the Urban and Community Forestry Society hosts a conference and tradeshow. This exciting event brings together members and non-members alike to network, learn, and knowledge share. Presentations from experts in the field, city tours, networking receptions, and more make this a can’t miss event! At the conference, you’ll:

  • Learn from real world case studies of urban and community forestry in action
  • Engage in knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning
  • Be with your tree people who understand the challenges and triumphs of being an urban or community forester

When

November 17-18, 2025

Registration

Registration will open Summer 2025

Where

The M Resort

Henderson, Nevada

Program

Agenda to come!

Plan to join us from November 17-18, 2025 for the annual Urban and Community Forestry Society Tradeshow and Conference! It’s a great opportunity to network with and learn from fellow urban foresters who make daily tree planting and care decisions! 

UCFS’s conference will be followed by the Partners in Community Forestry conference from November 19-20, 2025. Stay for the full week of learning!

ISA CEUs will be available for the attendees. 

Program

The Urban and Community Forestry Society’s (UCFS) 59th Annual International Conference and Trade Show will be held on November 17 and 18, 2025 in Henderson, Nevada. 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’s theme is What works (and What Doesn’t) in Urban Forestry. We will share presentations that focus on actionable strategies and innovative approaches to urban and community forestry. 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 limited time, urban forestry professionals need practical, real-world solutions that can be implemented effectively to address today’s challenges.  

Presentations will 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. 

Presentations will explore topics such as: 

  • Vision to Action: How strategic plans or master planning efforts were successfully implemented.
  • Innovative Community Engagement: Creative approaches that lead to policy changes, neighborhood involvement, or new ways of thinking.
  • Lessons from the Unexpected: Projects that didn’t go as planned and how urban forestry programs adapted.
  • Building Stronger Partnerships: How municipalities and non-profits are collaborating to expand capacity and advance urban forestry goals.
  • Operations & Best Practices: Practical, specific how-to guidance for running urban forestry programs efficiently and effectively.
  • Resilience & Adaptation: Stories of overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes.

 

The full agenda will be posted soon. Check back soon!

A summary of events can be found below. Click on the button to see a full outline of the UCFS conference program!

  • Monday, November 18
    • Tour of City of Chicago Urban Forestry – optional pre-conference tour held in the afternoon
    • UCFS Fun Run and Walk
    • MFI Reunion
    • Start of Tradeshow and Exhibit Hall
  • Tuesday, November 19
    • Full day conference starting at 8am
    • Annual UCFS Member Meeting – held after the conference ends
    • Reception held with Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition – held in the evening
    • Tradeshow and Exhibit Hall open all day
  • Wednesday and Thursday, November 20-21
    • Full Partners in Community Forestry Conference (additional registration needed)

Exhibitors and Tradeshow

Exhibit at the premier urban forestry conferences and reach two audiences in one location! 

UCFS and the Arbor Day Foundation are excited to invite you to showcase your products and services at the annual Urban and Community Forestry Society Conference and Partners in Community Forestry Conference, held back-to-back in Henderson, Nevada.

By exhibiting at these conferences, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with two distinct but related audiences in one place. With an estimated 750 plus attendees over the 3 days, this is a can’t-miss event for any organization in the urban forestry industry.

Why Exhibit?

  •  Double the Exposure: Engage with attendees from both conferences, maximizing your reach and impact.
  • Targeted Audience: Our attendees manage urban trees, with over 60% involved in tree planting, maintenance, community and youth education, job training, or workforce development.
  • Diverse Roles: Connect with professionals across urban forestry and related fields, including 30% in urban forest management.
  • Purchasing Power: The majority of attendees plan to purchase trees and tree care tools within the next 18 months.
  • Key Sectors: 76% of our audience represents state, local, or federal government and non-profit sectors.

 

What’s Included:

  • One Tabletop Exhibit Space
  • One Complimentary Registration to both Conferences
  • Access to the Conference Attendee List


Check back for more details on registration and signing up for a booth.

Additionally, to maximize your exposure, each attendee will receive a bingo card featuring your organization’s name. Attendees who complete the card will win a prize, ensuring more interaction and engagement with your booth. We look forward to seeing you in Henderson!

Pre-Conference Activities - Monday, November 18

Pre-Conference Bus Tour: Emerald Necklaces to Blue Islands

Join UCFS for a custom tour designed to showcase the best of Chicago city forestry.
A tour of some of Chicago’s most historic and leafiest showstoppers including Garfield Park Conservatory, the “emerald necklace” park and boulevard system, and Blue Island Avenue, the “greenest street in America."
Read More Here

UCFS Fun Run, Walk, or Watch

Help raise money for UCFS’s Urban Forest Foundation
Get out and stretch your legs while taking in the views of Lake Michigan! The annual UCFS Fun Run/Walk will be held on Monday, November 18. Proceeds support scholarships for MFI and other UCFS programming. Registered participants also received a t-shirt!
Read More Here

Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) Reunion

Hey, MFI grads! Catch up with your friends and invite someone who might be interested in attending MFI in the future.
Recapture the "MFI High" when you join fellow graduates from your class and others. Location: 2Twenty2 Tavern
Read More Here

Full Conference - Tuesday, November 19

After the pre-conference activities on November 18, we’ll jump into a full day of educational and informative presentations from urban and community foresters from across the country. Read the full agenda below!