San Francisco’s Urban Forestry Council (SF UFC), the City’s pioneering “tree board”, has been proposed for elimination.  SF UFC monthly meetings provide a public forum for San Francisco residents’ concerns, and bring together City agencies in a venue for cross-agency discussion and coordination of projects related to urban forestry. SF UFC advises the Board of Supervisors on tree issues, compiles a unique yearly report on the condition of San Francisco’s urban trees, and manages a Landmark Tree Program that recognizes trees of special value. Despite being a national model for other cities’ tree commissions, SF UFC is slated to be abolished after a cursory review by a “Commission Streamlining Task Force” that neither engaged with the issues nor considered the unique function that the SF UFC serves.

 

If you are a resident of San Francisco, please contact your Supervisor (https://sfbos.org/) by March 3, and voice your concerns.

TREE FUND

 

 

 

Caleb Wilson with University of Kentucky will present his research, “Increasing biological control of soft-scale insects by excluding ants from trees.”

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL URBAN FORESTS COUNCIL

 

 

A mini-size version of the popular champion and heritage tree tours that occurred regularly before 2020. The one-way walking tour, led by Board Certified Master Arborist Ken Knight, will begin at noon in the interior courtyard of the Goleta Community Center 5679 Hollister Avenue before proceeding to Jonny Wallis Park and ending at The Steward’s Sexton Grove. A new brochure highlighting the Sexton Grove trees will be included for registered tour attendees. Prior registration required, no tickets at the site. Email your reservation request to yourchildrenstrees@gmail.com, questions at (805)252-1952.

URBAN FORESTRY TODAY

 

 

 

Urban residents often desire and identify closely with trees in the municipal landscape. Join Candace B. Powning, City of Hartford, as she discusses new research about understanding the effects of sudden tree canopy loss (and regrowth!) in the urban environment.

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

 

 

 

Recent legal challenges and legislative attempts at preempting local ordinances have demonstrated that tree protection ordinances are a sensitive issue. Using recent examples, this talk explores legal and legislative critiques of tree protection ordinances and illustrates best practices in the development, revision, and administration of local ordinances.

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY SOCIETY

 

 

Urban forest ordinances aren’t just technical paperwork—they’re the legal backbone that shapes planning, management, and long-term program success. Join UCFS for a dynamic workshop that demystifies ordinance language and gives you the tools you need to shape resilient, future-ready tree care policy. In this 90-minute interactive session, we’ll dive into the new ordinance assessment tool from Arbor Day Foundation, explore best practices outlined new in UCFS’s Accreditation Standards, and get-real world guidance and feedback from industry leaders.

CAL FIRE & USDA FOREST SERVICE

 

 

 

Unified Wood Economy (UWE), in partnership with CAL FIRE and the USDA Forest Service, invites you to a webinar introducing the Urban Wood Utilization Guide, a playbook for establishing a municipal program on wood utilization. Presenters will detail how to use the guide and share lessons learned from UWE’s case study in Stockton, California, where local partners are modeling how downed urban trees can be transformed into high-value wood products—while supporting workforce development and reducing carbon emissions.

WESTERN CHAPTER ISA

 

 

 

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 sampling of the constitutional challenges that have tested various tree protection laws in the U.S. courts, both successfully and unsuccessfully. Topics include takings, substantive and procedural due process, equal protection, excessive fines, search and seizure, and even freedom of speech rights. Speaker: James Komen

WESTERN CHAPTER ISA

 

 

 

This presentation highlights rising tensions among insurers, homeowners, municipalities, and tree care professionals as insurance costs, tree‑protection rules, and risk concerns collide. Insurers face mounting losses, homeowners feel trapped between coverage requirements and permit denials, municipalities struggle to uphold ordinances under growing pressure, and tree care companies navigate ethical challenges. The goal is to build shared understanding and support more balanced, collaborative solutions.

UCLA LUSKIN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

 

The 2026 Luskin Summit, Building Power Through Local Solutions, will examine how California communities can build power to address vulnerability through locally driven policy action that advances equity, and well-being. The Summit will emphasize that lasting change comes not from one-size-fits-all approaches, but from empowering local governments, institutions, and communities to shape solutions that reflect their needs and strengths. One session, titled “Advancing Shade Solutions During LA’s Mega-Event Era”, looks at how UCLA Luskin’s Shade Map and related research have shaped the new LA County Heat Action Plan and offer strategies to reduce extreme heat impacts. With major events approaching, this panel examines how collaborations like ShadeLA, paired with strong research and policy, can build a lasting “cool legacy” for the region’s most heat-vulnerable communities. Speakers will discuss key opportunities, barriers, and what it will take to scale shade equity quickly and effectively.

TREE FUND

 

 

 

Dr. Richard Hauer along with Dr. Andrew Koeser and Dr. Jake Miesbauer will present their 2021 Hyland Johns Grant Program titled, “Tree Health Implications of Long-term Strategies to Treat Emerald Ash Borer: Long-term Effects on Tree Injections and Tree Tissue”

WESTERN CHAPTER ISA

 

 

Experience dynamic educational sessions spanning General, Science, Practice, and Spanish-language tracks—exploring everything from tree microbiomes and climate resilience to field-based solutions and emerging best practices.

 

You’ll also be inspired by keynote Nalini Nadkarni and grounded in place as we gather on the ancestral homeland of the Southern Sierra Miwuk people.

SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE

 

 

The SFI conference offers engaging discussions and panels covering the following topics:

INSTITUTE FOR DIGITAL FORESTRY

 

 

 

This conference provides unique insight into the latest developments in digital forestry and how you can use powerful tools and technologies like Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS), photogrammetry, LiDAR and sensor arrays as well as geographic information systems, machine learning, digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI).

Global Trends in Digital Forestry – Advances in remote sensing and other data collection methods deliver accurate, precise results at speed, helping improve how the world’s forests are cared for and managed.

Digital Tools in Practice – Transforming wildfire prevention, disease and pest detection, and data-driven decision making through mobile mapping systems, digital twins, robotics and AI-driven tools.

Operationalizing Digital Forestry through Policy, Standards and Workforce Development – Navigating the transition from legacy systems to new digital tools, including change management, integration into existing workflows and investment in emerging technologies.

We're creating an environment for meaningful networking and engagement. We'll also have:

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

 

 

FORESTRY CHALLENGE

 

 

 

The Forestry Challenge, begun in 2003, is an academic event for high school students in technical forestry and current forestry topics. Participants spend four days in the forest learning about the ecology and management of the forested landscapes that provide communities with water, recreational opportunities, wood products, and wildlife habitat. Youth benefit by better understanding the relationship of the forested environment to their community, by exposure to natural resource management as a potential career option, and by undertaking a rigorous critical thinking exercise which is timely and addresses current forestry topics such as wildfire, insects, and forest health.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS

 

 

 

Themed "Rooted Future: Growing in a Dynamic World,” this event will bring together foresters, researchers, and policymakers to reflect on the rich history of forestry, share current advancements, and look ahead to the future of sustainable forest management. Registration opens June 1, 2026.

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY SOCIETY

 

 

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

 

 

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

 

 

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

 

 

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CONSULTING ARBORISTS

 

TREE FUND and Davey Tree Expert Company

 

 

Launched in 2024, The Davey Tree Expert Company’s “Community Arboriculture Education Grant Program” (The Davey Fund) is a permanently restricted endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support community-based arboricultural education in the United States. Funds support for education/training in tree care and/or urban forestry topics. This is not a scholarship for individuals, nor is it intended to provide support for tree planting initiatives, but rather designed to support a nonprofit educational program. Examples of potential projects include the following:

Projects are expected to be completed within one year. Two $5,000 grants will be awarded annually. No project may receive more than one award from this program within a two-year period. Grants will not be made to endowment or annual operating campaigns. TREE Fund will accept applications only between January 15 and March 15.

TREE Fund

 

 

TREE Fund offers scholarships for undergraduate students who aspire to careers in arboriculture, urban forestry, and related fields. There are currently six scholarships, each for $5,000, with applications closing on March 15.

California Natural Resources Agency

 

 

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program announces funding for California Native American tribes’ priorities for multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects located within the state of California. Approximately $9.2 million is available for tribal multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects.  Applications due April 15, 2026.

CAL FIRE Urban & Community Forestry Program

City of Glendale, CA

City of Salinas

City of Tustin

CAL FIRE

 

 

Happy Arbor Week, California! California Arbor Week (March 7-14) is a great time to highlight the critical role trees play in creating healthy, resilient communities across the state. In California, where communities face challenges like extreme heat, drought, wildfire risk, and air pollution, investing in urban and community forests is more important than ever. Celebrating Arbor Week is an opportunity to bring people together through stewardship and environmental action. Communities can participate by:

Even simple actions—like learning about proper tree care or sharing information on social media—help build a culture that values trees. For organizations and community leaders looking to participate, California ReLeaf offers a comprehensive media kit with customizable graphics, social media templates, press materials, and outreach tools to make planning and promotion easy. These resources help communities amplify their message and inspire more people to celebrate the power of trees during Arbor Week and beyond.

 

CAL FIRE

 

 

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) toolkit is intended to help any community (jurisdiction, district, or geographic area) and associated organizations, agencies, and interested parties in California successfully prepare and implement a CWPP. CWPPs are collaboratively developed plans focused on reducing wildfire risk to identified community values within a defined planning area. They serve as an important vehicle for assessing local wildfire hazard and risk, coordinating wildfire risk reduction activities, and providing a mechanism for project funding and implementation.

 

CAL FIRE & USDA Forest Service

 

 

The Urban Wood Utilization Guide is now available to help cities, nonprofits, and urban forestry professionals turn downed trees and woody debris into a circular community reinvestment. It is the playbook for establishing a municipal program on wood utilization. Produced by Unified Wood Economy and funded by CAL FIRE and the USDA Forest Service, the guide aligns with the California Urban Forests Council’s UFMP Toolkit and walks users through pre‑planning, partnerships, implementation, and monitoring. It also highlights economic valuation tools, sustainability criteria, and strategies for integrating wood utilization into broader climate and waste reduction goals.

 

 

US Forest Service

 

 

Under Chief Tom Schultz’s leadership, the Forest Service is taking a back-to-basics approach—refocusing the agency on the fundamental work that matters most to the American people.

At the same time, the Forest Service is transforming into a leaner, more results-focused agency. Chief Schultz is driving this change by making the agency more efficient, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering maximum value for every taxpayer dollar.

 

US Department of Agriculture

 

 

The USDA has released updated General Terms and Conditions, effective December 31, 2025. This information is important for organizations with grants/agreements with the USDA/ US Forest Service.

Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition

 

 

Released in February 2025, the "Fostering Community Prosperity & Safety Through Healthy Trees" guide includes recommendations from the non-partisan Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) and its extended network for maintaining and expanding the benefits of healthy trees to all communities across America.

 

CAL FIRE

 

 

$3.59 million is transforming five elementary schoolyards in Tulare County into cooler, greener, nature-based learning spaces. Through CAL FIRE UCF Green Schoolyards grants, outdoor campuses that currently face extreme heat and high-water use will be reimagined with dense shade trees, drought-tolerant landscaping, and living school forests near classrooms.

 

Depave LA

 

 

DepaveLA is the first-ever comprehensive pavement analysis to map the distribution of every paved surface across Los Angeles County, distinguishing between pavement on streets, sidewalks, private properties, and other areas. The groundbreaking report reveals that Los Angeles County contains more than 312,000 acres (488 square miles) of pavement – an area so big it would form California’s largest city. Nearly half of this pavement may not be functionally necessary and represents a significant opportunity for closer, site-specific evaluation to determine where removal is feasible, suggesting a massive untapped opportunity to strengthen the region’s resilience. Excess pavement worsens heat, flooding, and ecological decline. DepaveLA presents a data-driven framework for removing unnecessary paved surfaces and creating healthier and more resilient landscapes. This report was prepared as a collaborative partnership between Accelerate Resilience L.A. and Hyphae Design Laboratory.

 

 

The Vulnerable Communities Platform is intended to help community organizations, local governments, state agencies, researchers, and concerned residents understand where different climate hazards will be most severe, which communities are most vulnerable, and what makes them vulnerable so they can make informed adaptation planning, policy, and investment decisions.

 

University of California: Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR)

 

 

UCANR invites you to enjoy this short video featuring 2025 highlights, and the many ways your generosity continues to make a difference.

 

University of California, Davis

 

 

A multi-institutional study led by the University of California, Davis, finds that living in urban areas with a higher percentage of visible trees is associated with a 4% decrease in cardiovascular disease. By comparison, living in urban areas with a higher percentage of grass was associated with a 6% increase in cardiovascular disease. Likewise, a higher rate of other types of green space, like bushes or shrubs, was associated with a 3% increase in cardiovascular disease.

 

 

The “Stockholm tree pit” method was created to help trees thrive in paved-over urban spaces. Now, it’s taking root across Europe. Inspired by railroad embankments — which require only a small amount of organic matter for healthy trees to grow — this tree pit method was born in 2002. The design involves digging a pit and constructing a frame underground around the tree’s roots, and then filling said pit with a mixture of soil and stone, sometimes including biochar, to both aerate and fertilize the soil. These permeable layers are very strong and physically adaptable but also allow stormwater to flow in, meaning the trees are provided with sufficient air and water naturally. They also allow rainwater to be soaked up — a necessity amid more extreme weather brought on by climate change.

 

San Francisco’s Urban Forestry Council (SF UFC), the City’s pioneering “tree board”, has been proposed for elimination.  SF UFC monthly meetings provide a public forum for San Francisco residents’ concerns, and bring together City agencies in a venue for cross-agency discussion and coordination of projects related to urban forestry. SF UFC advises the Board of Supervisors on tree issues, compiles a unique yearly report on the condition of San Francisco’s urban trees, and manages a Landmark Tree Program that recognizes trees of special value. Despite being a national model for other cities’ tree commissions, SF UFC is slated to be abolished after a cursory review by a “Commission Streamlining Task Force” that neither engaged with the issues nor considered the unique function that the SF UFC serves.

 

If you are a resident of San Francisco, please contact your Supervisor (https://sfbos.org/) by March 3, and voice your concerns.

Arbor Day Foundation

 

 

For more than 20 years, i-Tree has provided the urban and community forestry industry with forest assessment tools to calculate the economic and environmental benefits trees provide. Due to recent changes at the USDA, funding for i-Tree is at risk of being zeroed out. The Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) is collecting testimonials to share with policy makers to convey its value in hopes of garnering support for continued i-Tree funding. If you've used i-Tree to support your local projects, read the official announcement from i-Tree and check out the link below to share your stories.

 

 

The Western Tree Failure Database has some good news and bad news. We have a total of 6,808 reports in the database. The bad news is that we’ve only received 27 reports so far in 2025. If everyone who reads this would submit at least one report we’d be in good shape. Don’t forget that we are offering a monetary prize for the person who submits the most reports this year.

 

A team of researchers from Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Georgia are seeking to better understand how the US insurance industry is influencing homeowner decisions regarding yard trees.

The UCFS Industry Trends committee is monitoring the growing concern around insurance companies requiring homeowners to prune or remove trees. This issue impacts our goals to grow the urban forest and negatively impacts the public we serve each day. UCFS and TCIA are collaborating on this issue and are currently working to gather information and decide next steps. We continue to seek your feedback to gather stories and evidence so that we can fully understand the breadth of the issue.

National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council

 

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council is pleased to announce the National Urban and Community Forestry Ten-Year Action Plan’s public input website is open and available for public comments/suggestions related to urban and community forestry. This Action Plan for (2027-2037) serves as a guidance document for the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. State Urban and Community Forestry Programs also use the Action Plan as a guidance document for their Urban and Community Forestry Programs and State Forest Action Plans. Annual Action Plan accomplishments and recommendations are reported to the Secretary of Agriculture and applicable Congressional committees.

 

Voluntary comments will be accepted through June 30, 2026. If a commenter would like to provide a comment/suggestion, or for more information, please visit ActionPlan.UrbanAndCommunityForests.org.

American Forests

 

 

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) is updating its Ten Year Action Plan, which creates a guiding framework that optimizes innovations, resources, and collaborations for the field of urban and community forestry. The Ten Year Action Plan also drives federal funding priorities for Urban and Community Forestry. American Forests invites you to take a few minutes to complete a form to share your perspectives on needs, challenges, and opportunities. Input gathered through this voluntary form is part of the stakeholder engagement process and will help update the NUCF Ten Year Action Plan. Perspectives from both within and beyond the urban and community forestry field are welcome. Your feedback means better data, gap assessments and goal setting, which is critical for managing extreme heat, public health and urban growth. This survey will close on May 31, 2026.

 

Certified Urban and Community Forester Credential

Society of American Forester's partnership with the California Urban Forests Council sprouted the future of this credential for professionals across the map. Together we had a vision for professionals in the urban and community forestry space, and now we are making strides to offer this certification to the workforce. The "Certified Urban and Community Forester" credential promotes the holistic nature of urban and community forestry that's focused on resource conservation across the canopy intersected with the complex and dynamic infrastructure and stakeholder ecosystem. Learn more on the Society of American Foresters website and in this article, Certified Urban and Community Forester Credential Aims to Elevate the Profession and Grow SAF by Eric Wiseman, PhD.

SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY FORESTRY NEWS

The California Urban Forests Council wants to hear your Community Forestry news. Has your city/community passed a tree ordinance, adopted an urban forestry management plan, completed a tree inventory, conducted a canopy analysis, allocated new funding for tree maintenance, implemented/completed a planting campaign, hired/contracted a community forest manager, formed a tree board/commission, become a Tree City USA, or generated other community forestry news to share?  We would like to share your news item in our monthly e-news. Please share your Community Forestry news with us at info@caufc.org.