American Forests defines urban forests as “ecosystems composed of trees and other vegetation that provide cities and municipalities with environmental, economic and social benefits. They include street and yard trees, vegetation within parks and along public rights of way, water systems, fish and wildlife.” Unlike traditional infrastructure, such as pipelines, buildings and roadways, urban forests appreciate in value over time, meaning a low-cost solution now in the form of urban forest investments becomes a long-term benefit. This publication represents extensive research, interviews and examinations into 12 cities that have begun — or are continuing — to make an investment in their urban forests in order to reap future gains. Unsurprisingly, every city on this list is unique, with its own complex history, agendas, governments, needs and challenges. Despite their differences, though, there are some common threads throughout their tales and lessons to be learned. This book contains urban forest activities and lessons learned in: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, Seattle and Washington, DC. The cities are categorized into four themes: 1) stormwater and watersheds cities; 2) energy and heat island cities; 3) involving neighbourhoods and communities cities; and 4) urban forestry partnerships cities.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
American Forests

Region
Americas

Biome
Temperate

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All