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Trees First. Wood Next: Realizing the Highest and Best Use for Urban Trees

August 22, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT

Join us for a UCFS Learning Series webinar!

Along with providing beauty and environmental benefits for the 80% of Americans who live in urban areas, urban and community forests provide a habitat for wildlife and, arguably, even greater ecological benefits as trees reach end of lifeWhen trees in the urban forest are removed for reasons other than harvest, their “urban wood” can be captured and incorporated back into the built environment, completing this virtuous circle.

Opportunities to maximize utilization of urban and community trees are scalable and can be found in almost all communities. Changing attitudes and practices to maximize utilization of urban forest products can develop a supply of raw material that can feed both established and newly created markets.

Join us to learn about the successful solid wood waste program developed by Milwaukee Forestry Services and discuss their strategies, practices, and partnerships that have reduced operation and disposal costs while building community awareness and connection to the essential qualities of urban and community forests andtheir resources.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the elements necessary to establish and implement sustainable urban forestry management practices that capture the full worth of urban and community trees.
  2. Engage with the Urban Wood Network, Inc. to raise awareness of the benefits of urban forest products.
  3. Develop multi-sector partnerships that maximize the benefits of urban and community forests.

ISA CEUs applied for and pending.

Register Here!

Details

Date:
August 22, 2024
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT

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.