Urban Forest Community of Practice

 

Urban forests are the sum total of all trees and their associated ecosystems within a municipality. It is the entire collection of trees growing in parks and private lands, on commercial and institutional lands, along highways, roads, trails and paths, as well as throughout open spaces in the community. The urban forest is a critical component of a functional green infrastructure system and creating and maintaining community.  The urban forest is more than just individual trees; it also includes a series of intact and fragmented ecosystems.

The benefits of Urban Forests are many and varied:

Urban forests are vital for the health and livability of our cities.  They improve our water and air quality, lower air temperatures and noise levels, provide wildlife habitat, increase property values and beautify our cities. Urban forests can help reduce the impacts of climate change by:

• Providing shading and reducing ambient air temperatures
• Reducing electricity demand for air conditioning and stress on electrical generation and distribution systems
• Absorbing some air pollutants
• Reducing storm water runoff.  

Urban forests contribute to the social well-being of a community by providing healthy and enjoyable recreation opportunities. They contribute to the economic vibrancy of a community through encouraging business on tree-lined streets.

Urban Forest Vision:

The urban forest is a highly valued asset comprised of a rich and diverse forest that is widely appreciated and supported for the contribution it provides to creating and maintaining a more liveable, resilient and sustainable community.