2023 Conference and
UCFS Member Meeting
In 2023, the Urban and Community Forestry
Society (UCFS) had a tremendous opportu-
nity to interweave its conference with the 2
nd
World Forum on Urban Forests (WFUF). The
Forum was held in Washington D.C. and over
1,000 people—representing 60 countries—
attended. Seeing urban forestry on the world
stage and from a worldwide perspective was
thought-provoking and invigorating. Over 150
UCFS members attended, along with many
friends and partners. Educational sessions that
were especially applicable to our members were
noted throughout the conference program.
Inside, the energy was high as everyone came
together to learn and grow. Outside, the trees
of Washington D.C. welcomed attendees.
UCFS Immediate Past President Earl Eutsler,
the State Forester for D.C., and his team work
hard to implement their progressive tree poli-
cies. For urban foresters from across the globe,
it was a wonderful experience to see how
tree policies reflect in a flourishing canopy.
On the evening of Tuesday, October 17, UCFS
held its Member and Friends Reception, gener-
ously sponsored by Davey Resource Group and
greehill. The venue was packed and the energy
and excitement was high—so high that it was
difficult to hear at times and there was worry
that we might be reaching the fire marshal
room capacity limit! It was all proof that friends
new and old were happy to see each other.
Associate Director/State Forester for the District of
Columbia Urban Forestry Division and 2023 UCFS
President Earl Eutsler greets the attendees at the World
Forum on Urban Forests. Photo by Bri Gardener
ucfsociety.org 11
A Year in Review
On November 14, 2023, UCFS held its Annual Member
Meeting virtually. Simone Borelli, Urban Forestry Officer
with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, welcomed attendees and provided a global per-
spective of why urban forestry is needed more than ever.
Simone's presentation showed that no matter where you
are, we all face the same issues when managing our urban
forests—such as urban forestry not being integrated into
urban planning or the limited availability of quality planting
material—but even with those challenges, our collective work
is needed more than ever in the face of a changing climate.
From there, we reviewed the rationale and background
behind
UCFS's new name and allowed time for members
to ask questions about the switch. We welcomed new
board member Keith O'Herrin (his profile coming in the
next issue of City Trees), reviewed organizational improve-
ments made over the past year, reviewed new committee
opportunities, and discussed where the organization is
with its strategic planning efforts. The meeting ended by
welcoming our new Vice President Jamie King and passing
the gavel to incoming President Rachel Habig-Myers, both
of whom assumed their new role on January 1, 2024.
