Changing the perception of urban forestry - Defining Community in Our Cities

American Forests, Wntr, 1998 by Preston Cole

The urban environment and community forestry need to become a priority in people's lives. Individuals in urban areas who are trying to feed a family of four with an average income of $25,0000 have to worry about the urban ecosystem, just as wealthier Americans do. However, life's circumstances impact where protection of urban ecosystems falls in peoples' priorities.

Therefore, we need to start reaching people in nontraditional ways. Urban foresters have to enter the debate over such issues as jobs, public education initiatives, and public assistance programs. As urban forestry professionals we need to start confronting those issues and explaining how they relate to urban forestry. We can no longer wait in the wings while issues affecting cities are being debated at the highest levels. Urban forestry is very much apart of urban America.

In talking with citizen groups we must ask, "As a professional, how can I help you best meet the needs of your community? We have the expertise and the organizational skills and know where to get information to help you meet your needs." As you do that, you're going to create a relationship that opens doors for urban forestry initiatives, such as planting trees on private property and beautification of neighborhoods. Such programs raise homes' value as well as peoples' awareness.

It's a different approach to citizen forestry: citizen foresters helping neighborhoods and community-based organization developing strategies to solve social and environmental issues. Of course we can't fight everyone's battles, but certainly we can help citizens meet their own needs - that's how your reach folks.

In doing so, we change peoples' perception of the role urban foresters and natural resource professionals play in urban areas. We are not asked to participate in housing and urban development issues because people think, "Well, what does a forester know about housing and education?" My response is "I live in an urban area and I have an opinion. I read like everybody else and as a professional, I want to help my community evolve."

Out of the challenges, comes opportunities. Take for example, community block grants. Communities that get money from those grants have to have a strategic plan for the neighborhood and the community. By assisting them with their dreams and wishes, we can include urban natural resource issues in community planning efforts. They need natural resource professionals sitting in on their committees and offering creative ideas.

Getting involved in town hall meetings is another avenue that puts urban foresters in touch with citizens, elected officials, and opinion leaders. Get to know them. Ask for feedback on urban forestry initiatives and present them to the community. Society has become more multicultural; our message "urban forestry benefits urban areas" should again be tailored to reach individuals from varied socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.