The UF/IFAS Urban Forestry Council – A New Resource for Statewide Extension Education and Outreach
The Urban Forestry Extension Council (UFEC) is an interdisciplinary group engaged in urban forestry, operating from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Cooperative Extension Service.
Urban Forestry in Florida
Florida’s urban forests are challenged by rapid development, a changing climate, invasive species, aging tree canopies, aging infrastructure, and limited resources allocated to planting, maintenance, and the removal of trees. Our urban trees and green spaces contribute so much to our local communities. During the dog days of summer, we’re all looking for ways to keep cool. The shade offered by trees of our urban forests offers a precious respite. Trees play a role in placemaking and are where we gather or recreate. People appreciate the ecological, economic, aesthetic, and social value that trees and green spaces bring to our communities. Yet, many Floridians do not understand how to best care for and preserve urban forests.
How we got to UFEC
UFEC was established to collaboratively develop new resources and educational messaging for UF/IFAS Extension. UFEC’s goals include increasing public awareness of the benefits of trees and urban forests, engagement in urban forestry activities, and supporting the maintenance and growth of Florida’s urban forests. Our first meeting took place earlier this year. However, UF Extension agents and specialists began laying the groundwork for such an initiative years earlier. Parallel efforts for exploring urban forestry issues and creating educational opportunities for different audiences emerged within the University of Florida. They provided space to share academic papers, exchange scientific knowledge, and discuss urban forestry in Florida. These groups came together to form the UF/IFAS Urban Forestry Extension Council.
In October 2024, with support from the Florida Forest Service, UF/IFAS hired an urban forestry Extension coordinator to facilitate UFEC’s development, build a network of partners, and identify collaborative actions supporting urban forestry in Florida.
Who is involved in UFEC?
In the past, challenges presented by geographical distance and divergent workloads among Florida Extension agents and specialists working on urban forestry topics limited the potential impact of the statewide urban forestry Extension program. The Urban Forestry Extension Council was developed to address these challenges. Combining the past efforts, expertise, and participation of previous groups along with new, collaborative goals, UFEC brings together researchers, specialists, and Extension agents from the University of Florida; city planners and municipal urban foresters, educators, program coordinators; and representatives from state agencies, the Florida Urban Forestry Council, and the Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Members represent various experiences and perspectives from around the state and work to ensure that local needs and challenges are addressed in UFEC’s work. Together, members meet once a quarter to discuss progress on ongoing initiatives and emerging issues and topics in urban forestry.
What is the mission and vision of UFEC?
The mission of UFEC is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices on urban and community forest management through science-based Extension programming. Looking towards the future, UFEC aims to encourage a healthy and sustainable urban forest across Florida that enhances the quality of life in communities. We envision a well-informed and engaged population—including tree care professionals, municipal departments, and residents—actively supporting the expansion of urban tree canopies and maximizing the ecosystem services that urban forests provide. UFEC is adaptive in nature, dynamically responding to needs observed by local Extension agents and members, and in response to surveys, data, and scientific research.
Spotlight on the Florida Urban Tree Stewardship Program: A New Initiative
Rapid urbanization in Florida and the influx of pandemic and post-pandemic residents from other states made clear a need for active statewide collaborations within the university system and with professional partners to provide education that helps urban forestry users and managers throughout Florida. The first major project being undertaken by UFEC is the development of the Florida Urban Tree Stewardship program, which cultivates urban forest advocates across the state.
The Florida Urban Tree Stewardship program offers a comprehensive “train-the-trainer” course. After completing the trainer course, participants – who include Extension agents, municipal urban forestry managers, leaders in non-profit and tree advocacy groups, and other educators – will be able to train volunteers in their communities to become Florida Urban Tree Stewards. These groups will define local needs and goals, including planting trees, maintaining and pruning trees, advocating for trees in local tree boards and in HOAs, and educating others in their communities about the value and benefits of trees. The program draws from past county-level Extension tree stewardship programs, academic research on stewardship, and the expertise of diverse UFEC members.
What can UFEC achieve in Florida’s urban forestry future?
As communities expand, more and more Floridians’ first encounters with nature will involve the trees in backyards, schools, parks, streetscapes, and retail centers. These urban trees are critical for countering the increasing heat and flooding that many of our communities are experiencing. They have also been proven to boost the overall well-being of residents. Urban forestry is becoming increasingly important to more people, whether they know it yet or not.
UFEC is uniquely positioned to bridge academic research, professional practice, and community outreach. The diversity of our membership provides a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective for the resources we create. UFEC’s structure enables dialogue, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer learning, offering opportunities to explore creative solutions that support all of Florida’s communities. The launch of UFEC has already created new partnerships among Extension agents and specialists working on similar issues and topics. Finally, UFEC provides opportunities to form connections with other partners and can expand the capacity of those working with urban forestry Extension programs.
We invite you to learn more about UFEC as we work to engage and support communities across Florida.
Where to learn more
Explore our partners and webpage: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/urban-forestry-extension-council/
Subscribe to our newsletter and view our archive: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/urban-forestry-extension-council/about/
