Urban & Community Forestry Bundle

Enjoy this curated set of on-demand presentations that focus on urban & community forestry. This bundle will updated as new content becomes available.

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Presentations

2016

Estimating the Willingness to Preserve Open Space in Coastal Waterfronts - Ram Dahal, Mississippi State University

Regional Goals - Local Action - Lydia Scott, Chicago Region Trees Initiative (The Morton Arboretum)

The "10-20-30 Rule" Revisited: Is it a Useful Standard for Urban Forest Diversity? - Mark Ambrose, NC State University

Urban Forest Assessments and Urban Tree Use: Lessons Learned from MN, NC, and VA - Kathryn Fernholz, Dovetail Partners

2017

Understanding How Urban Residential Owners Perceive and Manage Their Trees: A Comparison of Four WI Cities - Kathryn Thostenson, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

2019

Comparative Analysis of Characteristics and Ecosystem Services of Trees in Two Urban Parks - Zhu Ning, Southern University

Evaluating Impact of Deforestation on Non-monetary Opportunity Costs of Temporal Urban Heat Island Changes - John Bosco Namwamba, Southern University (SUBR)

Lessons Learned from the Frontlines of Emerald Ash Borer - Stephanie Foster-Miller, Ohio Division of Forestry

Society of Municipal Arborists and Society of American Foresters Collaboration - Sam Oludunfe; City of Chula Vista, CA

Tree Equity: Career Pathways Toolkit- Preparing Tomorrow’s Urban Forestry Workforce - Sarah Anderson, American Forests

Tree Risk Management Plans: Don't Leave Your Office Without One - Jennifer Gulick, Urban Canopy Works

2020

Addressing Uncertainty in Urban Forestry Damage Assessments following Hurricane Irma - Casey Lambert, The University of Alabama

Managing High Tree Mortality: New Best Practices from Creative Strategies in the Midwest - Frank Mastrobuono, PlanIT Geo

Tree Preservation During Residential Construction: An Evaluation of a Strict Municipal Tree Ordinance - Kaitlyn Pike; DePaul University / City of Highland Park, IL

2021

Forest-to-Cities: Uniting Rural and Urban Stakeholders around Climate Action through Forestry and Mass Timber Construction - Jennifer Shakun, New England Forestry Foundation

Forests in Cities: Building a Community of Practice and Resource Library for Natural Areas Practitioners - Sophie Plitt, Natural Areas Conservancy

Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives - Dayziah Petruska, Texas A&M Forest Service

Planning for Environmental Equity: An Urban Forest Master Plan Element in Des Moines, Iowa - Jan Thompson, Iowa State University

2022 

Community Engagement through Urban Food Forestry - Jaq Payne, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Tree Equity in Action - Ian Leahy, American Forests; Molly Henry, American Forests; Alexis Gomez, American Forests; and Jacqueline Hall, Groundwork Rhode Island

Collaborative Engagement in Education and Extension to Achieve Excellence in Urban Forestry - Zhu Ning, Southern University & A&M College; Jason Gordon, University of Georgia; and Janette Thompson, Iowa State University

2023

Urban Forestry in a Changing Climate - Zhu Ning, Southern University & A&M College (Moderator); Janette Thompson, Iowa State University; Thomas Worthley, University of Connecticut; Rachelle Hedges, University of California Berkeley; and Mysha Clarke, University of Florida

Urban Wood Utilization - Jeff Carroll, Urban Wood Economy and Kayla Stuart, Urban Wood Economy & Univ. of TN

Street Tree Diversity Across Varying Spatial Scales: A Case Study Of New Haven CT - Michael Freiburger, Yale

Are your Tree Planting Specifications Killing Your Trees? - Rebecca Johnson, Arborholic, LLC

Hazard Tree Selection near Power Facilities - Donald Dukleth, Southern California Edison

iSeaTree: Developing an Open-Source Mobile Application and Community Science Tool for Quantifying and Tracking Urban Forestry Assets - Arielle Simmons-Steff, Treemama.org (iSeaTree Mobile App)

Why the Urban Forestry Profession Needs to Evolve - Keith O'Herrin, Union County NC

Exploring How Urban Forest Professionals Perceive Risk and Manage Trees and Storms in Three Cities - Stephanie Cadaval, University of Florida

Evolving Urban Forestry -  The new SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and Third-Party Certifications - Paul Johnson, Sustainable Forestry Initiative

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2016
Estimating the Willingness to Preserve Open Space in Coastal Waterfronts
Open to view video.
Open to view video. This study evaluated the citizens’ willingness to preserve open space in coastal region of Mississippi and Alabama. A CVM was employed to estimate citizens' willingness to pay to support open space preservation. Results will help guide local elected officials in maintaining a balance between urban development and waterfront development. Presented by Ram Dahal, Mississippi State University
Regional Goals - Local Action
Open to view video.
Open to view video. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is a collaborative partnership across 7 counties in the Chicago region to improve the urban forest. CRTI has created one of the most extensive data sets on urban forestry in country and is using this information to support regional goals at the local scale. Presented by Lydia Scott, Chicago Region Trees Initiative (The Morton Arboretum)
The "10-20-30 Rule" Revisited: Is it a Useful Standard for Urban Forest Diversity?
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Since 1990, the “10-20-30 rule” has become the de facto standard for urban forest diversity.  A quarter-century after the “rule” was first proposed, analyses show that most urban forests fail to meet its standards.  If almost no municipality can meet the standard, is it a useful guideline for urban foresters? Presented by Mark Ambrose, NC State University
Urban Forest Assessments and Urban Tree Use: Lessons Learned from MN, NC, and VA
Open to view video.
Open to view video. This presentation provides an introduction to the clustering concept of economic development and addresses some of the key findings from recent urban forest policy and program studies completed in three states: Minnesota, North Carolina, and Virginia. Presented by Kathryn Fernholz, Dovetail Partners
2017
Understanding How Urban Residential Owners Perceive and Manage Their Trees: A Comparison of Four WI Cities
Open to view video.
Open to view video. To better understand tree care motivations and behaviors of urban residential owners, the Wisconsin DNR piloted an urban adaptation of the US Forest Service’s National Woodland Owner Survey. We compare survey results from four cities and explore how they can inform efforts to engage urban residents to manage their trees. Presented by Kathryn Thostenson, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
2019
Comparative Analysis of Characteristics and Ecosystem Services of Trees in Two Urban Parks
Open to view video.
Open to view video. City parks improve physical and psychological health of citizens, strengthen communities, and make cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. Trees are the key natural elements of the parks that provide substantial environmental benefits. To preserve, manage, and sustain the trees in the parks, a comparative analysis of the characteristics and ecosystem services of trees in Independence Park and Howell Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana were conducted. Using i-Tree Eco v6 model complete inventory protocol, field data were collected from each individual tree located throughout the two parks and were recorded using a GPS unit Trimble Geo6000 XH. The data were then entered into i-Tree Eco v6 model for analysis using a series of scientific equations or algorithms to compute the results. Comparing the two parks, the tree canopy cover, tree density, tree species composition, and tree size distribution are different. The value of the ecosystem services that the Independence Park provided are much higher than that of the Howell Park. Based on the results, recommendations were made for park management. The results can also be used to increase public awareness of the ecological benefits that urban trees and parks provide and the need for investment in the trees and the parks. Presented by Zhu Ning, Southern University, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Evaluating Impact of Deforestation on Non-monetary Opportunity Costs of Temporal Urban Heat Island Changes
Open to view video.
Open to view video. This study modeled the non-monetary opportunity costs of temporal urban heat islands changes in the neighborhood of Burbank Highway, Baton Rouge, in Louisiana. Trees use a large proportion of incident short-wave solar radiation to earth for evaporation of water from leaves (evapotranspiration) while the leaves reflect away some of it. Cutting of trees leads to direct heating of air closest to the surface by energy transmitted by material or structural surfaces. In addition to mitigating urban heat islands effect, trees have additional environmental and human benefits. A study of the non-monetary opportunity costs associated with temporal expanding urban heat islands in areas neighboring Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, was carried out and corresponding models developed. ArcGIS software and i-Tree Design were used in the study. Opportunity costs in terms of pollution, surface runoff was modeled. Results from the studies indicated strongly that the cutting of forests and trees in cities to pave way for development resulted in rising of intensities of urban heat islands (UHI) within the neighborhoods from which forest stands were decimated. Presented by John Bosco Namwamba, Southern University (SUBR), at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Lessons Learned from the Frontlines of Emerald Ash Borer
Open to view video.
Open to view video. EAB was first identified in northwest Ohio in February 2003, just months after it was named a few miles north in the Detroit area. This devastating insect offered a unique resilience test for Ohio’s communities, officials, landowners, and foresters. Sixteen years after that fateful winter day, this presentation reflects on what went well, what we learned, and how to prepare for the future. Presented by Stephanie Foster-Miller, Ohio Division of Forestry, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Society of Municipal Arborists and Society of American Foresters Collaboration
Open to view video.
Open to view video. We now have a wealth of information on the economic, environmental and social benefits and value that urban trees and forests provide. The Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) and Society of American Foresters (SAF) have the common goal of the professional management of the urban forest to provide these benefits to people. There is the opportunity and need for SAF and SMA to more closely collaborate to take advantage of the strengths and resources of each organization and its members in the management of our urban forest resources.  This presentation gives us the opportunity to inform SAF members of the programs and resources SMA has to offer and ways to strengthen our partnership. SMA's Municipal Forestry Institute leadership training, City Urban and Community Forestry Program Accreditation, Arborist Exchange Program, assistance in the International Society of Arboriculture Municipal Specialist Certification program, and other strategic initiatives will be discussed. This presentation will help to generate ideas and a commitment to a stronger partnership between SAF and SMA.       Presented by Sam Oludunfe, City of Chula Vista, California, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Tree Equity: Career Pathways Toolkit- Preparing Tomorrow’s Urban Forestry Workforce
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Tree Equity: Career Pathways seeks to close the labor shortage gap in the urban forestry field through supporting pre-employment programs designed to prepare tomorrow’s green workforce, and helping tree industry employers attract and retain those who could use these opportunities most. This session will be among the first public introductions of a free national toolkit to share best practices for running successful tree care crews, corps, and other pre-employment programs that serve low income people of color. The purpose of this session is to introduce participants to the new career pathways toolkit, the concept of Tree Equity, and how it can be achieved through strategic inclusion and empowerment of low-income people of color to join the field of urban forestry. This session is designed to help local stakeholders form innovative partnerships along and across diverse sectors and political affiliations to address the serious shortage of skilled workers in our field. Through pre-employment programs, we create career pathways which provide a common solution to climate change-induced health risks, socio-economic barriers to upward-mobility, and result in thriving green communities. Presented by Sarah Anderson, American Forests, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Tree Risk Management Plans: Don't Leave Your Office Without One
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Just as other municipal infrastructure assets, such as utilities, lights, and guardrails can fail and cause harm, trees and tree parts can fail presenting a risk to people and property.  In an effort to reduce liability, trees are often removed; but the removal of trees based on an uninformed perception of risk can lead to the unnecessary loss of trees and their many co-benefits.  Additionally, tree managers are often unaware of how their actions or inaction can increase liability for the city and themselves. The best tool to guide risk reduction is an Urban Forest Risk Management Plan. These plans objectively consider risk and then recommend policies and processes that are proportionate to that risk.  They also consider budget, purchasing regulations, staffing levels, and operations to recommend how to best and reasonably use program resources to implement a proactive tree risk management program. Tree risk management plans are used to create or improve operational and administrative procedures and policies for tree risk assessment and mitigation; establish standards of care guidelines relating to inspection cycles and risk resolution, and to ensure that city and staff are reasonably performing their duty of care.  With a risk plan, municipal foresters can be confident that they are assessing and managing tree risk in a responsible, reasonable, and judicious manner because the plan documents risk assessment protocols, creates clear procedures for addressing tree risk concerns, and defines the level of care that is appropriate given a community’s available resources for a specified time horizon. Presented by Jennifer Gulick, Urban Canopy Works, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
2020
Addressing Uncertainty in Urban Forestry Damage Assessments following Hurricane Irma
Open to view video.
Open to view video. On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida unleashing heavy rains and wind speeds up to 146 kph across a great portion of the state. Urban forest damage was widespread and included uprooted and downed trees, limb loss and defoliation. Prior to the storm, urban tree inventories were conducted in Tampa, Gainesville, and Orange County, Florida. Utilizing the i-Tree Eco program, tree- and plot-level measurements such as tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, tree density and ground covers were collected. After Irma, a subset (215) of the originally inventoried plots were revisited and reassessed, noting branch damage as well as damage to the main stem. Utilizing hierarchical models and random forest classifiers, this research examined a multitude of pre- and post-storm tree, plot and city level variables to develop individual damage models for each of the inventoried cities. The majority of the properties sampled in this study were privately owned, and in many cases, we were not able to confirm the origin of the damage observed. Model building explicitly considered uncertainty in attributing damage to the storm in sampling. Preliminary individual city models indicated no difference in tree failure rates between non-native and native species, or among growth forms in hardwoods. Missing parts of the crown prior to the storm, and high crown light exposure were consistent damage indicators; however, individual models reflect varying drivers, likely as a consequence of the varying urban conditions presented in these cities. While this research contributes to our understanding of urban tree resistance to storm damage, there is still much uncertainty in predicting tree failure within these systems. Presented by Casey Lambert, The University of Alabama at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Managing High Tree Mortality: New Best Practices from Creative Strategies in the Midwest
Open to view video.
Open to view video. The Northeastern United States is currently experiencing sudden high tree mortality rates, mainly from the confluence of a few years of drought, extensive gypsy moth infestations, and now the spread of the emerald ash borer (EAB). Managing such high mortality poses many challenges for a traditional forester, but in the urban environment the widespread presence of potential targets compounds the risk a suddenly decaying tree population poses. Multiple state urban foresters in the Northeastern US were interviewed to fully understand the scope and nature of the risk and challenges posed to the most impacted communities. All managers reported that budget constraints, lack of tree inventories, and minimal public awareness of the risk imposed by high tree mortality as major impediments to a rapid response. After conducting a case review, three managers from the Midwest were interviewed to document the creative strategies they employed to manage high tree mortality under similar constraints.  Unique approaches we documented include: incrementally evolving management scope by completing representative sample surveys where budgetary or political constraints may not make a full inventory feasible, then using those results to inform decision makers about the need to allocate resources toward mitigating risk; inventorying only high-risk trees in early stages to speed response under budgetary restrictions; and employing specialized forestry contractors to perform mass-mechanical removals of 516 trees in one work week at a cost of approximately $48 per tree. Urban foresters have developed unique approaches to manage high tree mortality through the spread of EAB in the American Midwest. By documenting and sharing their strategies, we aim to inform new best practices in managing high tree mortality in the northeast that can empower managers under real-world constraints and less-than-ideal conditions. Presented by Frank Mastrobuono, PlanIT Geo at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Tree Preservation During Residential Construction: An Evaluation of a Strict Municipal Tree Ordinance
Open to view video.
Open to view video. With redevelopment of existing areas increasingly reported as a major factor in reduced canopy cover within municipalities, tree preservation ordinances are becoming increasingly common in order to protect existing trees before, during, and after construction. However, little research has been done on their impacts or successes, particularly on residential properties.  Highland Park, IL has a strict tree preservation ordinance that regulates development on private property to preserve trees during construction. We studied the impact of this ordinance on 645 trees at 102 construction sites. Through the use of permit data made available by the City of Highland Park, a systematic inventory was used to assess the trees that remained after complete demolition and redevelopment of residential properties during the years 2004 through 2016. Tree condition was measured through an index that considered tree vigor and structure, proximity was measured of each tree to man-made hardscape, and soil compaction PSI was recorded. This data was compared to 140 trees on 43 control properties where no redevelopment had taken place since initially being built. We found that redeveloped properties lost an average of 4.5 trees in the years following construction, with an overall preservation rate of 74% – City staff found this favorable, considering that this preservation rate does not account for trees lost to EAB or DED. Additionally, our data supported the following: overall tree condition varied by species, tree mortality increased as distance to house foundation decreased, and trees on redeveloped properties were in overall worse condition when compared to trees on control properties.  Our species of interest were bur, red, swamp white, and white oak, and shagbark hickory. White oak had the overall worst condition rating and shagbark had the best. Collaborative evaluations such as these may aid municipalities in better measuring and understanding the efficacy of strict tree preservation ordinances. Presented by Kaitlyn Pike, DePaul University / City of Highland Park, IL at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
2021
Forest-to-Cities: Uniting Rural and Urban Stakeholders around Climate Action through Forestry and Mass Timber Construction
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Forests have long been recognized as a critical global carbon sink, but there is a growing conversation about the best way to use forests to tackle the urgent challenge of climate change. It is prompting many to ask: How can building with wood improve our climate footprint? Substituting wood products for more energy-intensive materials in the built environment can yield big carbon savings when that wood is sourced from climate-smart forestry practices. But it is not enough to have a good idea for reducing carbon emissions—executing it must protect the natural environment, offer a viable economic opportunity for businesses and communities, and garner public support at the ballot box. This requires building connections and support beyond the forest sector. We present New England Forestry Foundation’s Forest-to-Cities Climate Challenge as a case study in building a community around the common goal of climate action through forestry and tall wood construction. The Forest-to-Cities effort brings together a broad array of stakeholders from different segments of the value chain—from those that grow the trees (landowners, foresters, conservation groups) and build the materials and buildings (sawmills, engineered wood manufacturers, architects, engineers) to those who are shaping the future of how we will live in the built environment (policy makers, planners, climate and housing advocates)—all in an effort to link lower-carbon mass timber construction in New England with the local forests that sustainably generate wood for them. We will share insights on fostering cross-sector collaboration and discuss the value of promoting a positive message of common ground between rural and urban communities. Presented by Jennifer Shakun from New England Forestry Foundation at the 2021 SAF National Virtual Convention.
Forests in Cities: Building a Community of Practice and Resource Library for Natural Areas Practitioners
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Four out of five Americans live in a city — and within those cities, natural areas such as forests make up 1.7 million acres of urban parkland. These natural areas contribute to the health and wellbeing of city residents and provide critical environmental benefits such as heat mitigation, reducing stormwater, and providing places of respite for residents. However, forests in cities are often at risk of being developed and degraded, and managing these natural areas requires a hybrid of urban forestry best practices as well as more traditional ecosystem management knowledge. Ensuring the health of these urban natural resources requires novel and collaborative efforts, both locally and nationally. Recognizing this unique challenge, the Natural Areas Conservancy launched the Forests in Cities network, bringing together practitioners from 12 cities across the country that are leaders in managing urban natural areas. This network Presented by Sophie Plitt from Natural Areas Conservancy at the 2021 SAF National Virtual Convention.
Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives is an initiative that connects communities, healthcare professionals, individuals, and foresters to teach how overall public health can be improved when people live in close proximity to trees. Healthy trees improve physical and mental health while also promoting healing. The session will outline three major areas trees impact: obesity, chronic disease, and mental health issues and how trees help improve the effects of these major areas. While discussing the impacts on health, this session will also outline how the Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives concept can be implemented in urban communities to optimize public health benefits. Presented by Dayziah Petruska from Texas A&M Forest Service at the 2021 SAF National Virtual Convention.
Planning for Environmental Equity: An Urban Forest Master Plan Element in Des Moines, Iowa
Open to view video.
Open to view video. Urban forest management plans have often focused on biophysical aspects of the forest resource – the trees, their characteristics, their spatial distribution and related ecosystem services they provide for city residents. Until recently, less attention has been focused on these characteristics of the urban forest in terms of their direct relationship to the human populations where they are located at a relatively fine scale. Urban forest managers in Des Moines, Iowa initiated research to examine tree characteristics at a neighborhood scale to allow assessment of equity in the distribution of benefits derived from the urban forest. Researchers documented relationships between percent forest canopy cover (a quantitative measure of the urban forest) and median household income, percent white population, and percent population in poverty in nine specific neighborhoods within the city. They also examined the number of both newly-planted and city-planted trees according to the same demographic variables. Finally, researchers evaluated species composition of the five most common species in each neighborhood (a qualitative measure of urban forest composition) in the same neighborhoods. Relatively strong relationships were detected for canopy cover according to all three demographic variables explored (r2 from .50 to .68) with canopy cover highest in neighborhoods with greater median income, higher percent white population, and fewer impoverished residents. Although the number of city-planted trees did not have a strong relationship to those demographic characteristics, the number of newly planted trees overall tended to be greater in higher income neighborhoods. Lastly, in qualitative terms the most common species in lower-income areas tended to have greater proportional representation of Fraxinus and Ulmus, whereas higher-income areas had greater representation of Quercus species. Taken together with data on “regional degrees of disadvantage,” urban forest managers have included specific recommendations for equitable urban forest management activities in the next five years. Presented by Jan Thompson from Iowa State University at the 2021 SAF National Virtual Convention.
2022
Community Engagement through Urban Food Forestry
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes Urban food forestry (UFF) is the ancient practice of modeling urban agriculture after the forest structure. This presentation covers the importance of UFF, impacts on the environment and community resilience, and what to consider when developing community support for UFF based on preliminary research within a public housing community redevelopment. Presented by Jaq Payne, University of Tennessee Knoxville at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Tree Equity In Action
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  89 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  89 minutes Set a Tree Equity Goal: The urban and community forestry field has been driven by municipal canopy goals that often don't achieve equity. Enter the Tree Equity Score as the new standard for achieving equitable tree cover through science driven data that establishes goals at the neighborhood and municipal scale. Presented by Ian Leahy, American Forests at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD. || Develop a Climate & Health Strategy: It’s more important than ever that we approach urban forestry holistically, integrating climate change, human health, and equity into our work. We'll dig into the Climate and Health Action Guide and Adaptation Actions for Urban Forests & Human Health report that helps optimize urban forests for climate and health outcomes. Presented by Molly Henry, American Forests at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD. || Engage Frontline Communities: Learn about best practices for engaging frontline communities in urban and community forestry in order to achieve Tree Equity. Presented by Alexis Gomez, American Forests at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD. || Implement a Tree Equity Campaign: Learn how organizations like Groundwork Rhode Island are using Tree Equity Score to improve Tree Equity Scores in neighborhoods with the largest disparities in tree cover. Presented by Jacqueline Hall, Groundwork Rhode Island at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Collaborative Engagement in Education and Extension to Achieve Excellence in Urban Forestry
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  79 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  79 minutes Producing the next generation of urban forestry managers and practitioners is a challenging task. This session provides information on collaborative engagement in education and extension at various universities that address the challenges, exchange knowledge, deliver the latest science, practice, and policy on urban forestry and the environment, as well as innovative approaches to apply research findings in extension to serve communities across the country. Presented by Zhu Ning, Southern University & A&M College; Jason Gordon, University of Georgia; and Janette Thompson, Iowa State University at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
2023
Urban Forestry in a Changing Climate
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  85 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  85 minutes This session highlights 5 institutions’ urban forestry programs that conduct cross-boundary work in the forestry and natural resources profession. The 5 - member panel will share knowledge on recent research related to urban forest/forest ecosystems, convey strategies for urban forest/forest management with special consideration of climate change mitigation, report on efforts to communicate urban forest/forest science to the public, and explain how urban forestry/forestry discipline can bridge society and ecosystems. Organized by the SAF Urban and Community Forestry Working Group. Presented by Zhu Ning, Southern University & A&M College (Moderator); Janette Thompson, Iowa State University; Thomas Worthley, University of Connecticut; Rachelle Hedges, University of California Berkeley; and Mysha Clarke, University of Florida at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Urban Wood Utilization
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes Urban wood is currently not harvested and sold in appreciable volume because of a fragmented supply chain. Disaggregated, smaller operations create a partial, hyper-local demand for urban wood. Ready access to the necessary quantity, quality, and species of wood is critical for high-volume buyers and bringing the market to scale. Presented by Jeff Carroll, Urban Wood Economy and Kayla Stuart, Urban Wood Economy & Univ. of TN at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Street Tree Diversity Across Varying Spatial Scales: A Case Study of New Haven CT
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  17 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  17 minutes The widely accepted "10-20-30 rule" provides guidance for increasing urban street tree planting diversity, but is not rooted in ecological theory and does not consider spatial scales. We suggest a more comprehensive approach, incorporating alpha, beta, gamma diversity, to understand diversity patterns of urban street trees at different spatial scales. Presented by Michael Freiburger, Yale at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Are your Tree Planting Specifications Killing Your Trees?
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  24 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  24 minutes How a tree is planted and cared for during the establishment phase will be a prime indicator of how the tree thrives long term. Many tree planting specifications have not been updated to follow the current BMPs and trees are not being set up for long term health and success. Presented by Rebecca Johnson, Arborholic, LLC at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Hazard Tree Selection near Power Facilities
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  19 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  19 minutes Ensuring Southern California Edison powerline safety and reliability by selecting the right trees for prune or removal. Presented by Donald Dukleth, Southern Calif Edison at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
iSeaTree: Developing an Open-Source Mobile Application and Community Science Tool for Quantifying and Tracking Urban Forestry Assets
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  27 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  27 minutes iSeaTree' is an application for identifying and tracking urban trees. It works with the USFS's 'iTree' API to calculate the CO2, H2O, and pollution benefits of trees within the United States and Canada. This presentation will discuss how we built the app and what we have learned since its launch. Presented by Arielle Simmons-Steffen, Treemama.Org (iSeaTree Mobile App) at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Why the Urban Forestry Profession Needs to Evolve
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  19 minutes Urban forestry is increasingly in-demand but lacks a unifying identity or the organized professional support system seen in 11 other professions analyzed. A gap analysis revealed urban forestry needs improvement in credentialing, public awareness, recruitment, and career advancement. We identified a misalignment between urban forest professionals and existing professional organizations. Presented by Keith O'Herrin, Union County NC at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Exploring How Urban Forest Professionals Perceive Risk and Manage Trees and Storms in Three Cities
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  23 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  23 minutes This exploratory research highlights how urban forest professionals perceived tree-related risk, experienced collaboration and conflict, and how they managed storm events. This research involved semi-structured interviews with 17 professionals in three United States cities. Storm preparedness and response-related challenges were complex, and participants viewed collaborative practices positively. Presented by Stephanie Cadaval, University of Florida at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Evolving Urban Forestry – The New SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and Third-Party Certifications
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  27 minutes
Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  27 minutes 2023 is an important year in the history of urban and community forestry. Join us as we set the stage for the evolution of urban and community forestry and the synergy of bringing the new SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and third-party certification into the sector. Presented by Paul Johnson, Sustainable Forestry Initiative at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.