Log & Order - Enforcing tree preservation ordinances In some municipal justice systems, tree-based offenses are considered especially egregious. In The City of Park Ridge, Illinois, the dedicated Conservators of the Peace who investigate these violations are members of an elite squad called the Forestry Division. During this presentation, we will discuss the City’s Tree […]
Join us for the UCFS Learning Series! The Citizen's Coolkit: New tools, processes, and career pathways for engaging communities in greening/tree-planting on private land Many communities in North America have yet to develop resilient neighbourhoods that meet canopy and climate targets. This learning session introduces a novel process for implementing local nature-based climate solutions, using […]
Join us for a UCFS Learning Series! In this UCFS Learning Series, we'll learn from Urban Ashes founder and CEO, Paul Hickman, alongside municipal foresters Kendra Boot of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Tiffany Giacobazzi of Ann Arbor, Michigan, as they detail the critical role of Municipal Urban Wood Recycling Systems in mitigating carbon loss, CO2e emissions, […]
Join us for a UCFS Learning Series! You may have heard about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative's (SFI) new Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard over the past couple of years, but who is going to be the first city or town to get certified? Which university or corporation? And, what does it REALLY take to […]
Join us for a UCFS Learning Series webinar! What happens when a tree is removed or appears to have been harmed illegally in your urban forest? Would you know what steps to take? In this UCFS Learning Series webinar will explore different issues related to collecting and presenting evidence to prove cases of illegal tree […]
Monday, November 16 from 1:00-4:00pm
To join us, add the tour with your registration!
Before conference sessions begin, join fellow urban and community forestry professionals for a guided tour of St. Louis that explores the city’s urban forest through the lens of history, resilience, equity, and community investment. From iconic parks to neighborhoods experiencing both environmental challenges and revitalization, you’ll discover how planning decisions, natural disaster recovery, and community partnerships are shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
Our journey begins at Brickline Greenway near Energizer Park, where an ambitious green infrastructure vision is reconnecting neighborhoods and expanding access to greenspace. From there, we’ll travel through the iconic Forest Park to explore the legacy of one of America’s great urban parks and the stewardship practices that continue to make it a model for urban forestry and public space.
As we travel through St. Louis neighborhoods, we’ll view the city’s history through its trees. We will see firsthand how communities are restoring and reimagining their urban forests through community-driven initiatives that are reversing damage from recent devastating tornado and the legacy of historic redlining and its influence on tree canopy distribution.
Along the way, we’ll stop at O’Fallon Park to explore ongoing restoration and neighborhood revitalization efforts before concluding at Kiener Plaza Park, where thoughtful landscape design and thriving urban greenspace showcase the power of trees to create welcoming, resilient downtown environments.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see examples of these critical urban forestry practices:
More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues who share a passion for building stronger urban forests. Come see St. Louis through a new lens and leave inspired with innovative ideas and practical insights.
Special Guests:
We’ll be joined on the tour by guest speakers from the City of St. Louis Forestry, Great Rivers Greenway, and Forest ReLeaf who will share insider perspectives on organizational collaboration.
