Urban forests are trees for people! They are dynamic ecosystems that provide environmental services such as clean air and water. Trees cool cities and save energy; improve air quality; strengthen quality of place and local economies; reduce storm water runoff; improve social connections; complement smart growth; and create walkable communities. Learn more about this critical resource and what the Forest Service is doing to protect it.

2010 US Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry
Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program

Request for Proposals is now open!

Visit the NUCFAC website for more information!

9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth

Conference registration is now open for the 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, which will be held on February 4-6, 2010 in Seattle, Washington.

These trees create your own urban forest

In recent years, the urban forest concept has developed largely to counter the concrete jungle, planting trees and shrubs in urban environments across America.

Seattle's tree-cutting rules to get more strict

The council also voted to establish an Urban Forestry Commission that includes scientists, a developer and tree advocates.

Green infrastructureConservation planning using a green infrastructure approach helps communities balance environmental and economic goals to achieve smarter, more sustainable land use patterns.

Tree Owner's Manual
One common issue facing our urban forests is the fact that trees are dying prematurely. Many are planted improperly, setting them up for failure. Many do not receive regular maintenance. And few are adequately protected during construction projects. To help remedy this issue, the Forest Service has created this Tree Owner’s Manual.

Greenhouse Warming and Landscape Care [NEW!] and other reports from the Northern Research Station highlight the importance of trees and "green" landscaping practices in reducing the urban carbon footprint.

Urban Tree Utilization and Why it MattersUtilization of urban trees for wood and paper products is a new idea but one that is drawing more attention from many fields. This report by Dovetail Partners, Inc. addresses big questions related to the amount of wood in urban areas, viable examples of urban tree utilization industries, and others.