Across the nation, urban and community foresters are grappling with the devastating impacts of natural disasters and the aftermath of recovery. Additionally, many of our most underserved communities lack the expertise and resources needed to assess and manage storm-damaged trees—essential elements for a healthy and resilient community.
The Illinois Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) was born from the need to address this challenge. A collaborative effort between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program and the USDA Forest Service, UFST was created following a series of devastating hurricanes in 2007. Its mission is to assist communities by enhancing public safety, accelerating recovery, minimizing urban tree canopy loss, and helping document disaster recovery needs for potential FEMA reimbursement.
This initiative trains, recruits, and deploys certified Urban Foresters and Arborists to assess storm-damaged trees using industry-leading arboriculture and FEMA standards. By deploying skilled arborists and passionate volunteers, the team plays a pivotal role in sustainable disaster recovery. They use advanced tree risk assessment protocols and GIS technology to inventory publicly owned trees—identifying those that need mitigation while preserving those that can thrive. These efforts help communities recover faster, fostering stronger, more resilient urban ecosystems.
More than just rebuilding, the Strike Team’s work nurtures the long-term health of our environment, strengthens social bonds, and contributes to the fight against climate change. Join this Learning Series session to learn how to launch this powerful initiative in your own community. Together, we can restore valuable community trees, enhance public health, and create thriving, resilient communities in the face of future challenges. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this exciting, mission-driven movement!
At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
ISA CEUs will be applied for.
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.
