THURSDAY, MAY 7 — URBAN FORESTRY DAY

MORNING

9:00 – 10:00 am  |  SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT IN CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES: FROM CERTIFICATION TO COMMUNITY IMPACT

Over the past year, municipalities and certification bodies have been among the first to implement the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and urban forest certification in Canada. From regional rights-of-way and street trees to urban woodlands, certification is as a practical tool to strengthen governance, build credibility, and demonstrate the value of sustainably managed forests in communities. This session highlights early adopters and implementation partners, sharing tangible examples of how certification supports effective decision-making, clearer priorities, and outcomes that communities can see and experience.

10:00 – 10:30 am  |  PROVING READINESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY: USING THE SFI URBAN FOREST STANDARD TO SUPPORT IRA INVESTMENT

SFI is intentionally expanding its impact to better connect sustainably managed forests with the communities that depend on them. This session explores how SFI is building meaningful bridges between conventional forestry and urban and community forestry through strategic partnerships, certification pathways, and education.  

Drawing on collaborative work with the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, the session highlights how SFI is strengthening forest literacy, supporting workforce development, and establishing a shared language around sustainability in the places where people live, work, and gather. Attendees will be invited to re-envision urban forests not as separate from forestry, but as a critical extension of sustainable forest management—and a powerful opportunity for cross-sector collaboration that advances environmental, social, and economic outcomes. 

10:30 – 11:00 am  |  BREAK

11:00 am – 12:00 pm  |  PUTTING SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT INTO PRACTICE

What does sustainable urban forest management look like in practice, and how can it be applied across diverse organizational contexts? This facilitated session introduces the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard as a framework for defining sustainability in urban and community forests. Participants will engage in guided discussions to explore how the standard's Guiding Principles can help set priorities, support decision-making, and track progress over time. 

Using biodiversity, resilience, and community engagement as shared lenses, the discussion will surface practical insights into how sustainable urban forest management can protect ecological values, strengthen communities, and support long-term stewardship. This session encourages participants to connect ideas across sectors and leave with renewed energy to advance sustainable urban forests in their own contexts. 

12:00 – 1:00 pm  |  LUNCH

AFTERNOON

1:00 – 2:00 pm  |  MOVING THE NEEDLE: APPROACHES AND RESOURCES FOR URBAN FORESTRY OUTCOMES

Urban forests grow alongside changing populations and community priorities. As needs shift, so do the challenges and opportunities they face. What does it take to move the needle toward urban forests that are responsibly managed and well supported?

Delivering long-term urban forestry outcomes requires multiple actors working in partnership. In this panel discussion, participants will hear perspectives from different actors in sustainable urban forest management. The conversation will explore the approaches and resources that help translate ambition into action, and visualize what becomes possible through coordinated effort.

Speakers to be announced shortly.

2:00 – 2:30 pm  |  BREAK

2:30 – 3:50 pm  |  PULLING THE RIGHT LEVERS: COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE IN THE SERVICE OF URBAN FORESTS

Interactive Workshop with Core Facilitators

We have frameworks, approaches, and tools. How do we put them together to continue advancing sustainably managed urban forests while addressing community priorities? This facilitated workshop brings participants together to reflect on shared challenges and leverage collective intelligence to sustain momentum.

Through guided small-group discussions, participants will explore the levers within their control, the relationships and partnerships that can support progress, and the value of making incremental gains toward urban forestry goals. The session is designed to foster constructive, collaborative conversations that reduce isolation and encourage continued connection beyond the SFI Annual Conference.

3:50 – 4:00 pm  |  CLOSING REMARKS FOR URBAN FORESTRY DAY

Thank you Sponsors

URBAN FOREST CATALYST