UCFS News
• Anticipating the Chicago UCFS Conference
• Trees, Tech, and Togetherness: Nature's
Role in Easing Urban Loneliness
• Getting to Know UCFS Program and
Education Manager Karla Nagy
By Leslie Berckes, Executive Director, Urban and Community Forestry Society
10 CityTREES
Anticipating the Chicago UCFS Conference
The Annual UCFS Conference and Tradeshow is coming
up on November 18-19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. We
hope you'll be there! There's nothing like a confer-
ence to help you gain new, actionable ideas—all while
gathering with friendly people who know and under-
stand your work. If you can, do stay for the Partners in
Community Forestry Conference immediately following
ours (November 20-21); many UCFS Members do.
On Monday, November 18, you can take an optional
pre-conference bus and walking tour
of Chicago's green highlights, led by
folks from City of Chicago Forestry. As
one of the largest cities in the U.S.,
Chicago has abundant examples of how
to most effectively plant and care for
trees in and around people and infra-
structure. Plus, tour-goers will get
an exclusive, private tour of Garfield
Park Conservatory! On Monday there
will also be the much-anticipated
Fun Run and MFI Reunion to enjoy.
The full-day UCFS Conference will take place on
November 19, with a program thoughtfully designed
by UCFS Members who know and understand the
issues most impacting urban foresters in their daily
work. The conference topics range from, for starters,
creating shade in the desert to teaching volun-
teers to prune young street trees. You will leave with
actionable ideas to grow a healthy, resilient urban
forest. Make sure to check out the full schedule of
activities—you really won't want to miss this!
