What We Do
Our organization was established in 1988 as the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) by a group of visionary citizens who saw the need to address urban forestry issues in the state of Georgia. Today, we are the Georgia Tree Council. Our mission is to sustain Georgia's green legacy by partnering with individuals, organizations, and communities in raising awareness toward improving and maintaining Georgia's community forests.. We accomplish our mission through quarterly educational meetings and workshops on cutting-edge urban forestry topics such as Basic Tree Care, Trees as Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Arborist Certification Review, and Invasive Species in the Urban Forest; frequent e-newsletters to members and supporters; a Landmark and Historic Tree Registry; our signature annual Georgia Tree Conference Conference and Trade Show; the Excellence in Urban Forestry Awards; the AmericanGrove.org, a national community of tree enthusiasts; and the Georgia ReLeaf program. Georgia Tree Council programs also give members and supporters opportunities for networking in their fields and for gaining leadership skills in addressing the challenges in their own urban forests. All of Georgia Tree Council's educational programs offer continuing education units and opportunities for professional development. We also strive to help other nonprofits and volunteer tree boards in their efforts to improve their community forests.
URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR GEORGIA
We partner with the Georgia Forestry Commission and with the urban forestry community to complete a Five Year Plan for Georgia’s Urban Forestry Community.The purpose of the Five-Year Strategic Plan is to provide direction for Georgia’s urban and community forestry programs and policy development and to coordinate statewide efforts to conserve and enhance Georgia’s community forests.
Four issues were identified by the strategic planning committee and are addressed in the Five-Year Plan for Georgia’s Urban and Community Forests. These issues are:
STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Promote tree canopy and longevity at the landscape scale through the green infrastructure approach.
STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Increase active participation of local communities to advocate for community forests through education and tree plantings.
STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Promote the development and enforcement of local tree ordinances.
STRATEGIC GOAL 4: Promote sustainable community forestry by training professionals to implement best management practices.
The final version of the Five Year Plan can be read here: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/community-forests/planning-policy/five-year-plan/
