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Urban and Community Forestry

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The Urban and Community Forestry Program helps communities develop and sustain healthy urban forests

We do this through a variety of services:

  • Technical assistance for development of local community forestry programs, tree care, training for professionals, planning and outreach efforts, and support of community events;
  • Grant funding for tree planting and support of local urban forestry programs;
  • Coordinating volunteer events and K-12 education opportunities; and
  • Building partnerships and identifying funding opportunities

For more information contact Alyssa O’Brien at alyssa.obrien@emnrd.nm.gov.

What is a Community Forest?

All the trees, plants, and wildlife found within a community!

    Benefits from the Community Forest

    Trees are vital to communities, and human and environmental health. They contribute to:

    • Reduced storm water runoff;
    • Improved air and water quality;
    • Increased property values;
    • Improved quality of life for citizens;
    • Increased economic development opportunities; and
    • Reduced energy use at homes and businesses.
    A grove of trees in bright sunlight
    A tree seedling with a shovel behind it
    An adobe home with a tree outside

    Announcements

    Climate Ready Trees

    The Climate Ready Trees Program is designed to identify climate adaptable tree species that can survive current conditions and climatic changes over the next century and introduce these species into our urban landscape. Using climate modeling, The Nature Conservancy determined future climate zones for New Mexico, then a rigorous review protocol evaluated potential trees species’ adaptability and tolerances to urban and climate conditions. Now demonstration sites are needed to introduce these new species into the urban landscape and to inform both nursery growers and the public about these new species.

    Municipalities or public schools may apply to have public spaces that they own and are open to the public within New Mexico become Climate Ready Demonstration Sites (Demonstration Sites). These sites will provide educational opportunities for the public and allow for observations on how Climate Ready Trees perform under local and regional conditions.

    Read more about Goals & Requirements for Climate Ready Trees.

    Demonstration Site Application. 

    Monitoring Form.

    Resources

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    Tree City USA

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    Tree Campus USA

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    Tree Board University

    A unique online resource for members of local planning commissions, parks boards, beautification committees, urban forestry commissions, or other local advisory committees that deal with tree issues.

    For Communities

    For Homeowners

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    New Mexico Centennial Re-Leaf

    SmartCard

    START HERE! Use this evaluation tool to assess your community’s green planning decisions and identify how you can make your community better. Submit your completed form and we will help you develop a plan and locate tools, resources, and funding opportunities.

    “Plan Smart, Rethinking Green” A Toolkit for New Mexico’s Communities: Maximizing the Benefits from Trees

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    New Mexico Tree Plotter

    Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan

    Program Partners

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    Let’s Plant ABQ

    Urban and community forests are vital in combating climate change. Trees provide cooling shade, reduce energy costs, clean our air and water, and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The City of Albuquerque Let’s Plant ABQ campaign aims to plant 100,000 trees across the city by 2030 by local individuals and organizations. Learn more about the program and how it could be a model for your community here.

    New Mexico Urban Forest Council Workshop: Community Forest Inventories

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    Tree New Mexico

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    New Mexico Municipal League

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    Think Trees New Mexico

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    ISA-Rocky Mountain Chapter

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    NMSU Cooperative Extension Service

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    New Mexico Landscape Architects

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    New Mexico Xeriscape Council

    Forest Service LogoFunding for this program is provided by the USDA Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.