Urban & Community Forestry

Alabama communities receive thousands of trees in first phase of recovery campaign

smccreary — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:22:56 -0500

The Alabama Tree Recovery Campaign is distributing 30,000 trees in 16 communities in the first phase of an effort to reforest the state's communities damaged in the April 2011 tornados. This large-scale, multi-year initiative was launched jointly in June of last year by the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Arbor Day Foundation.

Forest Service Chief Tidwell tours the District of Columbia’s urban forest

smccreary — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:19:16 -0500

DC State Forester Monica Lear recently hosted U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Forest Service staff in a tour of the District for NASF. The tour highlighted diverse urban and community forestry projects and partnerships in the city.

San Francisco's plan to cut non-native trees sparks environmental clash

smccreary — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:25:01 -0500

An intense battle is building in San Francisco's urban forest over a plan to cut down thousands of eucalyptus and other non-natives and replace them with natives such as oaks, coyote brush and ferns. Both sides are claiming biodiversity as the goal.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4190743/san-franciscos-plan-to-cut-non.html#storylink=cpy

NASF response to Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force report

smccreary — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:51:54 -0500

NASF recently submitted a response to the Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force regarding their recommendations regarding the future of urban forestry in the United States.

Alliance for Community Trees announces People's Garden grants

smccreary — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:25:31 -0500

Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) was selected by the USDA People's Garden Initiativeto deliver subgrants to local member organizations nationwide designed to promote the connection between trees and community agriculture by supporting the planting of shade trees to shelter and protect community gardens, and fruit and nut trees to serve local residents.

Connecticut power outages create a tree-cutting debate

smccreary — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:06:31 -0500

Recent storms that left millions without electricity in Connecticut has split the state into two camps: the tree lovers versus the tree cutters, says the Wall Street Journal. Utility companies and state officials blame 90% of the epic power outages on the state's dense woods, and residents who once adored living in an urban forest are getting increasingly frustrated by massive power failures that many fear could become a chronic problem.

Vibrant Cities report lays out recommendations from task force

smccreary — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:57:42 -0500

The Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force has established recommendations that "call for a new governmental approach to urban forestry, new and innovative resources and research, and recognition of the economic opportunity that can be achieved through partnerships and collaboration." Two NASF members served on the task force: Larry Kotchman, North Dakota State Forester, and Monica Lear, State Forester of the District of Columbia.

NPR spotlight on DC's urban forestry goals

smccreary — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:49:32 -0500

The local NPR station in Washington, DC, recently aired a story on how the District maintains and improves its urban tree canopy, which officials hope to increase to 40% by 2035.

Partners in Community Forestry conference November 14-17 in Orlando, FL

smccreary — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:58:53 -0500

The Arbor Day Foundation's national Partners in Community Forestry conference convenes next week in Orlando, bringing together leaders across urban forestry's many diverse groups. Florida State Forester Jim Karels will welcome attendees on Monday as they kick of the week of sessions focused on promoting best practices in urban forest management, sustainable partnership models and innovation in programs and projects.

New thoughts about old growth in the Thain Family Forest in New York

smccreary — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:52:46 -0400

"This forest, far from being a mysterious realm, has become one of the most cultivated, modified and nurtured patches of wilderness anywhere." The Thain Family Forest is being dedicated this weekend at the New York Botanical Garden and shows how a "managed" forest can alter ideas about old growth.