UCFS’s Urban Forest Foundation is dedicated to creating and supporting projects and programs that advance the dissemination and implementation of research developed in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry to benefit people, trees, and the urban environment.
City Trees is one of the premier publications focused on urban and community forestry stewardship. Inside each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community from experts and peers within the field of urban forestry.
Each year UCFS, hosts a conference and tradeshow. This exciting event brings together members and non-members alike to network, learn, and knowledge share. We hope to see you there!
The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) has named blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) its 2023 Urban Tree of the Year. Spin the globe, and at the right time of year, you’ll find blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) lighting up streets and parks with its blue-purple flower panicles in every subtropical or warm climate, including regions within Australia, Myanmar, India, South Africa, Spain, Chile, and the United States. Even climates with an occasional light frost may support blue jacaranda trees.
Our members do great things throughout the year! The UCFS Awards Committee seeks nominations for awards and honors that will be presented during an award ceremony at the annual conference on November, 18, 2025. The application for nominations will be posted soon. Please review the categories and nominate a deserving individual or organization for one or more of the awards listed below.
Award of Merit
For advancing the profession of arboriculture and urban forestry
The Award of Merit, the highest honor the Society can bestow, recognizes outstanding meritorious services by a member who advances the principals, ideals, and practices of municipal arboriculture and urban forestry.
Award of Achievement
For advancing the public’s commitment to community trees and forests
The Award of Achievement is presented to a member who has clearly advanced the public’s awareness of, and commitment to urban forests and trees.
Young or Emerging Professional Award
For making early, significant strides in an urban forestry career
The Young or Emerging Professional award recognizes an UCFS member aged 35 or under who has made significant contributions to the urban forest whether through volunteering, their academic pursuits, or early career achievements.
Legacy Project of the Year Award
For an innovative project, program, or partnership that has demonstrated results.
The Legacy Project of the Year Award is presented to an agency or organization that has raised public awareness and appreciation of community trees and urban forests through a unique and innovative project, program, or partnership that includes the work of an ISA Urban Forest Professional (previously Certified Municipal Specialist), or a UCFS Accredited Municipal Program.
i-Tree Innovation Award
For creative applications of i-Tree tools to enhance community forest management
The i-Tree innovation award is awarded to a member, agency, or community for successful implementation of a project or program using i-Tree as an integral component.
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.
