What We Do

 
LEADERSHIP
The combined education and experience of the Board of Directors and Staff of CaUFC represent several centuries of knowledge dealing with urban eco-system issues. For over 35 years, the California Urban Forests Council has provided leadership and representation that bridges all sectors of urban and community forestry throughout California.

EDUCATION
A critical aspect of CaUFC’s mission is its commitment to convening and presenting cutting-edge educational and networking forums for disseminating the research, experience and knowledge of a wide range of disciplines that impact urban and community forestry.

CaUFC sponsors and presents conferences, seminars and workshops geared toward the specific needs of urban forestry professionals, the organizations and people that utilize urban forestry services, and the public. In addition to an annual conference that addresses issues critical to urban forestry in California, each year CaUFC presents a number of timely and useful workshops and seminars on topics such as: Threats to the Urban Forest, Eucalyptus Pest Management, Trees and the Law, Urban Wood Utilization, Solutions to Tree Insect Problems, Roots vs. Infrastructure, Managing and Protecting Heritage Trees, and Fire Safe Communities.

CaUFC also partners with numerous organizations, such as the USDA Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California ReLeaf, the UC Berkeley Forest Products Lab, Fire Safe Councils throughout California, and the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture to disseminate the most current research, best practices information, techniques and practical applications for developing, managing and protecting our urban and community forests.

ADVOCACY
CaUFC works with all sectors of the urban and community forest movement to preserve and improve the urban environment by advocating for a holistic, ecosystem approach to the practice of urban forestry. A holistic view of urban and community forestry:

	Embraces both people and natural systems as integral parts of every urban forest;
	Spans a continuum of urban and community forestry related issues and concerns from inner city greening to wildfire and pest programs in rural interface areas; and
	Reflects an ecosystem approach to managing urban forests for their values and benefits in relationship to urban air quality, storm water runoff, wildlife and fish habitat, and other related ecosystem concerns.

During the past 35 years, CaUFC has become an increasingly well-respected, strong, statewide voice for the urban forestry perspective and profession within the overall ecology and environmental protection movements.

Our work has made CaUFC a highly regarded advisor and sometimes-partner in policymaking and political circles throughout the state.

CERTIFICATION
CaUFC’s Certified Urban Forester program recognizes, encourages and enhances the education, experience and professional status of urban forestry professionals, while providing the agencies, organizations and companies that utilize their services a benchmark for identifying qualified professionals.

The program includes both educational and professional prerequisites, as well as a qualifying examination to become certified. Once certified, Urban Foresters are required to acquire continuing education units to maintain their certification.

URBAN FORESTRY AWARDS
Each year the California Urban Forests Council honors excellence in Urban and Community Forestry in California in the following categories:

Best Urban Forestry Program
Awarded to the municipality, community, or business that has shown the most improvement in the past year or has demonstrated over a period of several years exceptional leadership, innovation, growth, and, community involvement in creating a consistent and well managed urban forest.

Durrell Maughn Founders Award
Awarded to an individual, organization or agency that has done the most in the past year to advance Urban Forestry Education in California. Recipient must have shown innovation and leadership in creating or improving educational opportunities for either individuals or organizations. This should be demonstrated through reproducible educational materials, workshops, programs, videos, public awareness programs, etc.

Fred Anderson Award – Urban Forestry Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to an individual with outstanding community service who has demonstrated leadership in a project or organization and has shown exceptional dedication to improving California’s Urban Forests.

Outstanding Urban Forestry Project of the Year
Awarded to an organization or community that completed an urban forestry project that:

• Addressed two or more environmental or public safety issues
• Involved the community and/or other organizations or agencies
• Significantly enhanced the urban forest and livability of the Community