A panoramic gathering for urban and community forestry
Join us for a one-day conference exploring complex and shared sustainability challenges for urban forests in the Western US from diverse perspectives. Connect with your colleagues, learn from experts, and share your insights!
Save the date
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CSU Spur, Denver
Event Overview
Throughout history, trees have been used to make life more comfortable for people living in towns and cities, and we are still discovering all the ways trees improve people’s lives today.
In the Western US, trees and forests do not naturally thrive in most areas, and the canopy shading most communities instead shows people’s deep and longstanding affinity for trees. But communities in the West also face unique challenges for growing trees, including limited water and volatile weather, and many are concerned about the future of urban forests amid climate shifts and other concerning trends.
At Trees in the West, we explore ways to sustain trees and communities by learning widely from many different people and sources of knowledge. Residents, practitioners, policymakers, scientists, and others take part in conversations about important issues for urban and community forests in a region with exceptional natural and cultural heritages.
2025 Focus: Climate Change Adaptation
Each year, we will explore a prominent theme in urban forestry. This year’s sessions will explore the role of urban forestry in climate change adaptation. It has always been challenging to manage urban forests threatened by natural and human disturbances. As the climate warms, it is unclear if our trees will continue thriving and supporting people in communities. At this year’s event, we will explore the essentials of climate change, potential threats to urban forests, and possible ways to enhance community resilience. Regardless of your role, we hope you will join us to learn and contribute your ideas.
Continuing education credits available for ISA credential holders
Certified Arborists, Municipal Specialists, and Board Certified Master Arborists will be eligible for CEUs (details coming soon).