Technology is transforming our industry, so let's make some time to talk about it! This year PlanIT Geo is hosting three Trees + Tech Summits to engage a global audience of experts and practitioners in a discussion of technology, data, trees, and the future of urban forestry decision-making. Presenters will showcase how new technology and strategies are helping solve common urban forestry challenges, along with case studies and actionable steps for putting these ideas to work in your community’s forest.
Each full-day summit has been paired with a major industry event:
ISA International Conference
World Forum on Urban Forestry
TCI Expo
There are more details to come, but don't forget to mark your calendar.
With government funding spiking and an abundance of tree planting goals, we need more hands on deck to keep up with the demand for greener cities. This blog expands on the discussion Dr. Nadina Galle had with Leslie Berkes, Executive Director of the Society of Municipal Arborists, on practical tips for inspiring a sustainable, diverse urban forestry workforce in Episode 6 of the Internet of Nature Podcast.
Nature-Based Solutions Are Building Political Momentum
The Biden administration released two resources on nature-based solutions last year, giving a federal platform (a further validation) to investing in nature as a climate change mitigator. "If you’re a local government wanting to pull every lever that you can to meet your climate action or emission reduction goals, we want to make sure that nature is on [your] list."
The IRA Urban Forestry Grant Window Is Open A Little Longer. Go For It!
The application window for Urban & Community Forestry IRA Grants is open for three more weeks. Has your government or organization thought about applying? Go for it! Our blog has tips to ease the application process.
... when it comes to trees. The wealthy, established neighborhood of Upper Mount Royal enjoys 32% tree canopy, while Saddle Ridge, a newer, lower-income community, is under 2%. This article from CBC tells the story of Calgary's urban forest through the data, and what the city is trying to do about it.
Mississauga's One Million Trees Campaign is a prime example of a tree planting goal done right. A careful balance of inspiration, ambition, and practicality. The city just celebrated the 10 year mark of the campaign and are right on track with 503,000 trees planted.
Tailoring TreePlotter to Meet Your Urban Greening Goals
Upcoming Webinar
May 24 - Software tools are designed for many situations, but not all purchases are made for the same reasons, and TreePlotter™ users are no different. While many clients have similar needs and desires for their urban forestry program, we know there is not one way to reach those goals. Learn about real-life, unique case examples of how TreePlotter software is being used by clients around the United States to help map and manage urban forests and meet community greening goals.
June 28 - Statewide tree inventories provide a unique scale for tracking and managing urban forests. The presentation will look at how statewide inventories in Oregon and Wisconsin guide high-level state management decisions and empower individual communities. Guests Scott Altenhoff, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Dan Buckler, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, will outline how their statewide inventories were launched and the benefits and challenges of creating these massive datasets.
Case Study: How Longview, Washington Uses Canopy Data
Longview’s urban forest is approaching a tipping point. Street trees were planted en masse during the town’s construction and now many of those ancient trees are in decline. Longview’s Parks Department took a proactive stance toward these looming changes by completing an urban tree canopy assessment in 2022. We spoke with Joanna Martin, Parks and Urban Forestry Manager at the City of Longview, to learn how canopy data is supporting the department’s goals.
The overlap of public good and private property is a complex situation in a free society. The majority of the urban forest usually resides on private property, outside the direct control of local governments working diligently to preserve them. This is the puzzle many urban forest managers are tasked with solving. This blog expands on the discussion Dr. Nadina Galle had with Alex Hancock, urban forestry consultant at PlanIT Geo, to crack the code on successful tree ordinances in Episode 5 of the Internet of Nature Podcast.
The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers
A first-of-its-kind resource came out this year: Black Faces in Green Spaces: The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers. This guide introduces youth to the many jobs in the forest and conservation sector through the lens of 22 Black Professionals currently working in the sector.
"We basically showed that walking in a shady, quiet neighborhood was like going to a therapist, trainer, and outdoor thermal oasis all at the same time." Recent research from Richmond, Virginia shows where you take a walk in a city matters. Learn more from the study's co-author in this article on the physiological impacts of walks through green and gray spaces.
