PlantAmnesty and UW Botanic Gardens partner to deliver the Urban Forest Symposium each spring. Each year’s symposium focuses on a timely topic and brings together a diverse audience including arborists, land managers, designers, program managers, municipal planners, volunteers, and advocates.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
This day will focus on approaches for broad and inclusive community engagement in urban forestry planning, priorities and programming.

Recent events have shined a light on the critical need for all people to have equitable access to the benefits that our urban forests provide. This year’s virtual Urban Forest Symposium will ground our conversation in the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on frontline communities and explore a new vision for urban forestry and the role it can play in a more just society moving forward.

Speakers including Indigenous Tribal people, youth, community leaders, government experts and researchers will share big ideas for recognition, recovery and reinvestment. Recognizing the many urban nature benefits, presenters will examine impacts and opportunities, including workforce and leadership development programs aimed at building pathways for youth to pursue urban forestry careers. This year’s virtual symposium aims to find new directions for culturally appropriate community engagement in urban forestry planning and programming. Join us to listen, learn, and discover opportunities to engage with communities and programs for a better future for our urban forest and all those connected to it.

Professional credits available for the Tuesday session: APLD (1), ISA (1.75), CPH (2.5), ecoPRO (2.5), WALP/NALP (2.5)
Professional credits available for the Wednesday session: APLD (2.25), ISA (2), CPH (2.5), ecoPRO (2.5), WALP/NALP (2.5)