It is the mission of the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) to promote the value, enhancement and sound management of urban forests through leadership, collaboration, guidance, and education.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Building Momentum Where It Matters Most
As we begin 2026, I want to shift our focus forward to where the Florida Urban Forestry Council is headed and how each of you fits into that work.
The year ahead is not about reinventing who we are. It’s about building on what works, strengthening the systems that support urban forestry across Florida, and inviting more people into the work. Momentum matters, but only if it’s directed with purpose.
Education as a Core Member Value
Education will continue to be a cornerstone of FUFC’s work, not simply as programming, but as a core member value.
Monthly Foundation Friday webinars, the Urban Forestry Institute, the Urban Forestry Summit, and regional workshops will enable FUFC to deliver practical, high-quality education that professionals can apply immediately in their work. Just as important, FUFC membership now includes CEUs through participation, turning engagement into direct professional value for arborists, planners, landscape architects, foresters, and allied professionals.
Education is how we build shared understanding, professional confidence, and consistency across disciplines. It is also how we strengthen the collective capacity of urban forestry in Florida.
Partnerships That Increase Conductivity
Urban forestry does not move forward in isolation. Progress depends on collaboration.
FUFC will continue to strengthen partnerships with allied organizations, agencies, utilities, academic institutions, and industry groups. Our role is not to replace the work of others, but to connect efforts, align missions, and reduce friction between disciplines.
When partnerships are intentional, they increase conductivity, allowing ideas, resources, and solutions to move more efficiently through communities. That is where real progress happens.
S.O.A.P. as an Operating Framework
S.O.A.P.—Staff, Ordinance, Advocacy, and Plan—is not a slogan. It is an operating framework for effective urban forestry.
FUFC will expand and develop our S.O.A.P. resources, making them more Florida-centric.This will allow us to continue supporting communities as they strengthen staffing capacity, modernize ordinances, build advocacy, and implement long-range planning.
Strong urban forestry programs don’t happen by accident. They are deliberately built through these four elements working together.
FUFC as a Connector—and an Invitation
At its core, FUFC exists to connect people, professions, and ideas.
As leadership roles rotate and committees realign, now is an ideal time to get involved. Whether your interest is education, policy, outreach, planning, or partnership-building, there is meaningful work to be done, and space at the table.
Urban forestry is not a passive discipline. It advances when you show up, share your expertise, and work together across boundaries.
The opportunity is clear. The foundation is strong. The network is growing. And the path forward is one we build together.
Thank you for being part of FUFC—and for leaning into the work ahead.
Cheers, John Snow President, Florida Urban Forestry Council
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This Issue:
2026 v.1
The Council Quarterly is published by the Florida Urban Forestry Council. When copying or sharing content found within any issue, kindly link to our website and mention our organization. Thank you for reading & sharing!
Please let us know what urban forestry projects you have going on in your neck of the woods. The Florida Urban Forestry Council would greatly appreciate the opportunity to share your information in our newsletter. These articles can include:
New trends in the industry
News about tree advocacy groups
Volunteer projects
City tree programs
Letters to the Editor
Questions for “Stump the Forester”
We look forward to hearing from you on this or any other interesting topic related to the urban forestry industry and profession. Please send any articles or ideas to the FUFC newsletter editor. Thanks for contributing!
