A UCFS Learning Series webinar!

Across the nation, urban and community foresters are grappling with the devastating impacts of natural disasters and the aftermath of recovery. Additionally, many of our most underserved communities lack the expertise and resources needed to assess and manage storm-damaged trees—essential elements for a healthy and resilient community.

The Illinois Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) was born from the need to address this challenge. A collaborative effort between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program and the USDA Forest Service, UFST was created following a series of devastating hurricanes in 2007. Its mission is to assist communities by enhancing public safety, accelerating recovery, minimizing urban tree canopy loss, and helping document disaster recovery needs for potential FEMA reimbursement.

This initiative trains, recruits, and deploys certified Urban Foresters and Arborists to assess storm-damaged trees using industry-leading arboriculture and FEMA standards. By deploying skilled arborists and passionate volunteers, the team plays a pivotal role in sustainable disaster recovery. They use advanced tree risk assessment protocols and GIS technology to inventory publicly owned trees—identifying those that need mitigation while preserving those that can thrive. These efforts help communities recover faster, fostering stronger, more resilient urban ecosystems.

More than just rebuilding, the Strike Team’s work nurtures the long-term health of our environment, strengthens social bonds, and contributes to the fight against climate change. Join this Learning Series session to learn how to launch this powerful initiative in your own community. Together, we can restore valuable community trees, enhance public health, and create thriving, resilient communities in the face of future challenges. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this exciting, mission-driven movement!

Learning Objectives

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Build the foundational elements of establishing an volunteer Strike Team.
• Conduct and manage volunteer lead rapid tree risk assessments to support post-storm recovery efforts.
• Lead an Urban Forest Strike Team initiative in your own community, building local resilience and protecting urban and community trees.

ISA CEUs will be applied for.