Trees in cities are mighty multi-taskers, reducing energy costs, mitigating air pollution, boosting housing values, providing wildlife habitat, and even improving community health outcomes.

Urban forest sustainability research provides leading-edge science and decision tools to inform the stewardship of trees and forests and improve the health and well-being of people and communities. Our research across all lands and people, from wilderness to inner city, advances knowledge of forest systems, urban ecology, ecosystem services and values, invasive insects and diseases, and the role of green spaces and their stewardship in improving quality of life and strengthening civil society.

We invest in urban forest sustainability research and development because:

• Well-managed trees and green infrastructure can buffer the negative impacts of a changing climate and expanding urban footprint.
• Trees, forests, and green infrastructure can also improve community health and wellbeing by providing jobs that support economic growth.
• Understanding the status and trends in urban forest health and tree cover can inform and improve management and protection efforts.
• Stewardship of urban forests strengthens civic capacity, builds social cohesion, and supports the foundations of a thriving civil society.