UCFS Learning Series: Log & Order – Enforcing tree preservation ordinances

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 […]

UCFS Learning Series: The Citizen’s Coolkit

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 […]

UCFS Learning Series: The Pivotal Role of Municipal Urban Wood Recycling Systems

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, […]

Learning Series: Using Evidence to Prove Tree-Related Infractions

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 […]

Bipartisan Infrastructure in the Nation’s Capital

Join us for a UCFS Learning Series webinar: Bipartisan Infrastructure in the Nation's Capital A legacy of poor policy from the mid-1900s led to serious challenges and often dangerous interactions between trees and powerlines in Washington D.C. In this webinar, Earl Eutsler State Forester for Washington DC and Nathan McElroy Utility Forester with Pepco, we […]

Florida’s Laws are Not Always Sunny: Lessons learned on state vs. city tree policy

Join us for a UCFS Learning Series webinar! Every day, laws are passed all over the world that impact local municipalities. When Florida lawmakers passed Florida Statute 163.045 it created waves across the urban forestry community. Passed in 2021, this statute brought unforeseen challenges to the tree care industry, reshaping both its practices and ethical […]

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

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 life.  When trees in the urban forest are removed for […]

Young and Emerging Professionals (35 yrs and under) Virtual Meet-Up

The field of urban forestry is young and rapidly growing. Young and emerging professionals are helping to shape the emerging field and will be the future face of the industry. Join us for the first meet up of the UCFS's Young and Emerging Professionals committee focused on people working in or studying urban forestry who […]

Is Your Tree Protection Ordinance Constitutional?

Join us for the UCFS Learning Series! In modern times, tree protection laws and ordinances of all different kinds are found in many jurisdictions. But if a law or ordinance conflicts with the fundamental rules of a state or federal constitution, then the law is invalid to the extent of conflict. This presentation discusses a […]

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.