April 2023 Note from the Chair

Trees and forests in cities, and the communities they sustain, are finally making headlines, being appropriately funded, and prioritized by conservationists and policy-makers, alike…

Yet, our urban forests still need you to help sustain these unprecedented investments long into the future by advocating for strong policies, supporting sound science, and amplifying impactful messaging for forests in cities. The Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) has prioritized these actions for over 18 years, and we invite you to join us now!

We have three current opportunities to help us advance the Coalition’s work:

• Join the Steering Committee. We have an open call for nominations for Steering Committee members for four open seats. Last year, we expanded Coalition membership to include institutions with a state and regional footprint. We are thrilled to welcome California ReLeaf, Casey Trees, Trees Louisville, the Natural Areas Conservancy and others who will bring a much-needed perspective for cross-boundary collaboration on urban forest advocacy. To reflect the broad representation of work in our field, at least two of the four new Steering Committee seats will be dedicated to state or regional members. To nominate yourself or someone else, and for more information about Steering Committee roles and expectations, please click HERE. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, May 19th. 

• Participate in a Coalition Work Group. Much of the work that the Coalition accomplishes comes through our three work groups: Policy, Research, and Strategic Engagement and Networking. Each is welcoming new work group members and potential co-chair positions may be available. For an update on work group efforts, please click HERE. 

• Consider Coalition Membership. I’m also pleased to share that we have year-long introductory memberships for institutions interested in learning more about the Coalition and exploring the benefits of full membership. Please reach out to our Convener, Heather Doucet, if you’d like more information. 

And of course, the SUFC encourages you to continue your important work establishing equitable forest cover across all our communities. If you haven’t seen it already, please see the Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) HERE.

Finally, I would like to thank Caitlyn Pollihan of the International Society of Arboriculture for her exceptional leadership as Chair of the Coalition over the past two years. It was an honor and privilege to serve alongside Caitlyn as Vice Chair right up through this year’s Annual Meeting on March 1st. (For a summary of the Annual Meeting, please click HERE.) I look forward to continuing our efforts to create a more inclusive and impactful Coalition. Thank you, Caitlyn!

Here’s to all of you for a successful spring season!

Rachel