Large Scale Tree Planting Campaigns: Lessons from One Million Trees Atlanta
In the face of global climate change and the desire to plant and preserve as many trees as possible to combat the effects, many communities are setting ambitious tree planting goals. Challenges and opportunities abound with these large tree targets. Do you count net or gross tree growth? How do you ensure the trees planted actually make it?! Positively, however, tree planting campaigns capture the hearts of residents and decisionmakers and ultimately lead to the ultimate goal for urban foresters – more green where people live.
In this Learning Series, we’ll hear from Trees Atlanta and the community of Sandy Springs, GA. Together, they are working towards the One Million Trees Initiative for the Atlanta metro that aims plant and conserve one million trees by 2030. Their count to one million includes trees planted in public spaces, for public projects, and on private land in partner cities. Trees preserved, a unique addition to these types of campaigns, include forested areas that are newly protected by conservation deed for permanent protection.
Attendees will learn:
ISA CEUs have been applied for and are pending.
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.
