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Mapping the Future of Urban Forests: Explore the National Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and Planning Tool

August 14 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT

Join us for a UCFS Learning Series webinar – sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts!

What if every city—no matter its size or resources—could instantly visualize the size and history of its urban forest? Now, it can.

For the first time ever, communities across the U.S. have access to utilizing high-resolution aerial imagery, and local, regional and nationwide urban tree canopy data—thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, the Arbor Day Foundation, and PlanIT Geo. This collaboration has launched the National Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and TreeCanopy.US, a transformative platform that integrates GIS data, an interactive map viewer, and a planning tool to support equitable, data-driven urban forestry efforts.

The tool empowers all communities—from small towns to major metros—to better understand and manage their urban forests, giving users the ability to explore land cover statistics, development trends, and individual tree canopies—all summarized at the census block group level. Looking ahead, expanded features, data updates, and resources will launch in 2025, including a downloadable National Baseline Canopy Assessment Report offering a comprehensive snapshot of urban tree canopy across the U.S.

This webinar will include a live demonstration of the platform’s capabilities, showing how urban foresters, planners, and community leaders can:

  • Use GIS-based data to assess and monitor their urban forest and track tree canopy gains and losses over time.
  • Identify priority planting areas based on canopy and environmental equity.
  • Visualize canopy coverage and development pressures at both local and regional scales.
  • Inform urban forestry strategies and policy decisions with real-time, accessible insights.

Join UCFS and PlanIT Geo for this must-attend session – this is your chance to gain access to a game-changing tool and join the national movement to build healthier and greener cities. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of urban forestry with the local urban tree canopy data leading the way. Access the platform and explore its capabilities at: https://treesatwork.org/

Learning Objectives

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand how to access and interpret GIS-based urban tree canopy data at local and regional scales using TreeCanopy.US.
  2. Learn how to use the interactive viewer and planning tool to track canopy changes, assess tree loss, and identify high-priority areas for reforestation.
  3. Gain insights into how nationwide, standardized tree canopy data can support urban forestry planning, equity initiatives, and climate resilience strategies.

Register today!

ISA CEUs applied for and pending.

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.