Urban Forestry Institute

The Urban Forestry Institute is a yearly conference hosted by the Florida Urban Forestry Council. Stay informed. Get Involved!

Registration is Open!

March 12 & 13, 2026

2026 Urban Forestry Institute

Register now! The Virtual Urban Forestry Institute (UFI) will be held March 12–13, 2026. This annual conference, hosted by the Florida Urban Forestry Council, brings together urban forestry professionals from across Florida and beyond to “talk trees” and share cutting-edge insights on resilience, resistance, and recovery in urban forests. With 20+ expert speakers and up to 10 CEUs available, this online experience is designed to help you grow professionally, connect with peers, and deepen your practice.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Certified Arborist Prep Course

The Florida Urban Forestry Council is partnering with Tree Check Up to present a virtual certified arborist prep course for those interested in taking the Certified Arborist exam or learning key arboricultural concepts. The online class will include a mix of pre-recorded modules and live Q&A. It will occur on March 11, 2026, with recordings available through March 31.

Whether preparing to become a Certified Arborist, enhancing your knowledge of arboricultural best practices, or aiming to earn CEUs, this course is for you!

This course does not include the ISA CA exam and is not included in UFI registration – an additional cost is required. See fee options on this page.

REGISTRATION FEES

Register before March 11, 2026!

FUFC MEMBERS:

UFI (Thursday & Friday) – $125.00
Certified Arborist Prep Course (Wednesday) + UFI = $150.00

NON-MEMBERS:

UFI (Thursday & Friday) – $175.00
Certified Arborist Prep Course (Wednesday) + UFI = $200.00

ACTIVE STUDENT MEMBERS:

UFI (Thursday & Friday) – $10.00

Register Now

Stand Out! Be Seen!

Sponsorship opportunities are being accepted now! Sign up or request more information (read below).

Sponsor Information

2026 Sponsors

Highlights for UFI – 2026 Schedule

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Join leading experts from organizations like NYC Parks and the Florida Forest Service for a dynamic lineup of sessions exploring cutting-edge strategies in urban forestry, tree policy, and climate resilience. From innovative nursery stock procurement and ordinance updates to extreme heat action planning in Miami-Dade County, these courses deliver practical insights you can apply immediately in your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen your urban forest programs for a changing climate.

Schedule:

Welcome Address from FUFC • 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM
FUFC Awards Presentation • 8:50 AM – 9:00 AM
Rooting For Resiliency – NYC’s Approach to High Quality Nursery Stock • 9:00 AM – 9:35 AM
The Importance of Stating Current Terminology in Tree Ordinances • 9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
15 Minute Break • 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
The Florida Forest Service and Communities: How We Can Help You • 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
Q&A Panel (Speakers from Sessions 1-3) • 11:10 AM – 11:45 AM
45 Minute Lunch Break • 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Addressing Increasing Heat and Flood Risks in Urban Forestry • 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Beyond the Clipboard: Empowering Arborists with AI and LiDAR Integration • 1:10 PM – 1:45 PM
15 Minute Break • 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Trees & The Law: 2nd Session of FS 163.045 – Tree Risk Assessment- Assessing and Reporting Tree Risk Within the Terms of FS163.045- 2026 Update • 2:00 PM – 2:35 PM
Tree Condition Rating Methodology • 2:40 PM – 3:15 PM
Q&A Panel (Sessions 4-7) • 3:15 PM – 3:50 PM
Urban Forestry Resilience for Climate Change in Goals, Programs, and Projects of Member Organizations • 3:55 PM – 4:40 PM

Friday, March 13, 2026

Be inspired by hands-on, forward-thinking sessions led by experts from Florida Project Learning Tree, University of Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation, and Florida Gulf Coast University. From engaging youth and volunteers in meaningful urban forestry work to applying GIS, machine learning, and best management practices to improve tree survival and hurricane resilience, these sessions deliver practical tools and research-backed strategies you can put to work right away. Register now to gain actionable insights, strengthen community partnerships, and build healthier, more resilient urban forests across Florida and beyond.

Schedule:

PLT – Urban Forestry Focused Activities with Youth • 8:30 AM – 9:05 AM
From Planting Through Maturity: How Best Management Practices Can Impact the Success of Urban Trees • 9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
10 Minute Break • 9:40 AM – 9:50 AM
Engaging Volunteers at Tree Planting Events • 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM
Outdoor Advertising (ODA) & the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) • 10:30 AM – 11:25 AM
Q&A Panel – Sessions 9-12 • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
30 Minute Lunch Break • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Assessing Risk Factors for Hurricane-Induced Tree Failure in the Naples Urban Forest Using Advanced GIS and Machine Learning • 12:30 PM – 1:05 PM
Assessing Nursery Stock Quality and Early Tree Care of Live Oak in Florida • 1:10 PM – 1:45 PM
With a Little Help From Our Friends • 1:50 PM – 2:25 PM
Q&A Panel – Sessions 13-15 • 2:30 PM – 3:05 PM
State of Florida’s Urban Forest 2026- Meeting the Challenges of Climate and Weather and More with Urban Forestry Resilience, Resistance, and Recovery Activities • 3:10 PM – 4:20 PM

What is the UFI?

The Urban Forestry Institute (UFI) conference is the annual meeting and conference hosted by the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC). The UFI supports the FUFC in its mission to promote the value, enhancement and sound management of urban forests through leadership, collaboration, guidance and education. The UFI brings together a diversity of professional members to “talk trees” and share urban forestry concepts and solutions.

Some additional reasons to attend:

Learn about current research and technology
Get updates on grants and other resources
Network with colleagues
Earn CEUs

The FUFC held its first annual UFI conference in March 2012 at the University of Central Florida. At this first event, S.O.A.P. was introduced as an acronym for Staffing, Ordinance, Advocacy, and Planning – the four key components for successful urban forestry management. The UFI continues as an annual event and a premier offering to FUFC members and Florida’s tree community. We hope to see you this year!

Urban Forestry Institute Sponsorship

This is a great opportunity to showcase your company. As a sponsor ($500.00), you will be able to share information about your company before, during, and after the 2026 virtual Urban Forestry Institute. Your online profile will offer opportunities to showcase your services, virtually meet with attendees, participate in Q&A sessions, and more. Attendees will certainly be able to learn more about your business. One complimentary registration is included!

Sponsors Receive…

Your firm’s name/logo will be included on the Urban Forestry Institute web page and electronic program
Electronic file of conference attendees with names, addresses, and phone numbers
One complimentary registration for an individual from your firm to attend the Institute

Don’t delay! Register and pay online or fill out and return the sponsorship form.

For further information or questions, please E-mail info@fufc.org.