The Center for Forest Urbanism

A new research center from Biophilic Cities and the University of Virginia

 

OUR MISSION

Despite the well-documented benefits of urban trees, particularly mature and established ones, U.S. urban areas continue to face a decline in tree cover and canopy coverage. Many cities have recognized inadequate communication regarding the value of urban trees and the insufficient integration of this value into policy and planning to be a significant contributor to the loss of both public and private tree cover.

In response to these concerns, some municipalities have adopted innovative strategies to safeguard public trees and encourage preservation on private land. These strategies often incorporate "carrot-and-stick" initiatives that offer advantages to those who engage in tree protection while implementing regulations to minimize unnecessary tree removal. Utilizing creative engagement methods and reward systems, rather than imposing uniform penalties, may reduce political polarization and enhance the effectiveness of efforts to protect mature trees.

The Center for Forest Urbanism conducts research and documentation on innovative valuation policies, engagement strategies, and legal frameworks related to urban forestry. It gathers insights from professionals across various fields such as law, economics, ecology, public policy, and urban planning to examine and integrate interdisciplinary theories on urban forestry. The CFU works in collaboration with Biophilic Cities Network partner cities to study the implementation of urban forestry approaches in BCN cities and the strategies implemented by other global leaders in canopy cover protection.

SHORT FILMS

  • King County’s (TDR) Program is a voluntary, incentive-based, and market-driven approach to preserve land and steer development growth away from rural and resource lands into King County’s Urban Area. Listen to Nick Bratton, the manager of the program, discuss the reason for and impact of King County’s efforts in this short film. (8 minutes, 9 seconds)

    [CLICK HERE!]

  • Atlanta, Georgia, is surrounded by pockets of old growth forest. Their value to the ecosystem and the people of Atlanta is immeasurable; however, the open space is under pressure from developers and urban expansion. In this video interview, join Kathryn Kolb from EcoAddendum and Tim Beatley from Biophilic as they take a stroll through the Lionel-Hampton Beecher Hills park and discuss the community efforts to protect it. (12 minutes, 27 seconds)

    [CLICK HERE!]

  • As discussed in “City in an Old Growth Forest” (above), many Atlantans are becoming alarmed at the rate of deforestation in their city. Debra Pearson from EcoAddendum is a community member who has taken action to protect the forest on her property. “Debra’s Forest” is now a carbon sink and wildlife sanctuary that provides an example of an alternative way of curating open space on one’s property. Tim Beatley from Biophilic Cities speaks to Debra and others about their story in this short documentary. (7 minutes, 14 seconds)

    [CLICK HERE!]

  • Sometimes, change does not to take place over a large part of land. In Utrecht, one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, citizens have started to add pops of green to the city center in the form of dense woodlands the size of a tennis court. In this short film, Daan Breichrodt walks us through the history of tiny forests and how small spaces can be converted into lush wonderlands. (6 minutes, 35 seconds)

    [CLICK HERE!]

  • Seattle, Washington, is often referred to as the "Emerald City." However, it faces challenges in balancing urban densification with the preservation of its trees. A massive cedar named Luma, estimated to be around 200 years old, has emerged as a symbol for those in Washington advocating for tree conservation and its benefits. Sandy Shelter from "The Last 6000" and Biophilic Cities presents an engaging video that highlights the efforts to protect Luma. (11 minutes, 13 seconds)

    [CLICK HERE!]

  • Bryant Heights is a new mixed-use development in Seattle, Washington. Prior to its construction, the site was home to several mature trees valued by the local community. Rather than opting for clear-cutting, a common practice among developers, the developer made the decision to design Bryant Heights with the existing trees in mind. Join Mona Zellers from Johnston Architecture for a tour of the neighborhood and discover the biophilic design choices made by the architects. (7 minutes, 57 seconds)

    [CLICK HERE!]

PRESENTATIONS

FEATURED EXTERNAL LINKS + RESOURCES

External CFU Links
Tree Equity Score from American Forests
Tree Equity Score from American Forests

Tree Equity Score measures how well the critical benefits of urban tree canopy are reaching those who need them most. The score establishes an equity-first standard to guide investment in communities living on low incomes, communities of color and all those disproportionately affected by extreme heat, pollution and other environmental hazards.

Tree Matrix
Tree Matrix

Predict tree survival from root disruption with unparalleled accuracy. Our Predictive Analytics Engine will overlay your development plan and instantly compute survival scores for each disrupted tree. Options for using metric scales are also available. Users can also adjust the plan scale during their work, instead of closing the plan and starting over.

i-Tree Valuation Strategies
i-Tree Valuation Strategies

i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the USDA Forest Service that provides urban and rural forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. The i-Tree tools can help strengthen forest management and advocacy efforts by quantifying forest structure and the environmental benefits that trees provide.

Canopy Cities
Canopy Cities

Biophilic Cities’ own Timothy Beatley released his latest book in 2024. “Canopy Cities: Protecting and Expanding Urban Forests” shifts the perception of trees from luxuries to essential urban elements, exploring policies that enhance tree protection, such as codes and bylaws, and emphasizes community engagement. It presents international case studies from cities like the US, Canada, and Australia, showcasing best practices for integrating trees into urban planning, including forested towers and urban forests.

"A New Tree Ethic"
"A New Tree Ethic"

“The Nature of Cities” is an annual learning symposium that brings together curious and interested individuals to learn about Biophilia. In 2023, Tim Beatley wrote an article for the event entitled, “A New Tree Ethic: What if Trees Really Mattered?” This article laments trees’ status as a “nice-to-have” amenity instead of a critical resource and offers some solutions.

"Taking Stock: The First Step to Creating Healthier Cities with Trees."
"Taking Stock: The First Step to Creating Healthier Cities with Trees."

David Nowak from the USDA Forest Service’s contribution to Volume 3 of the Biophilic Cities Journal. “"Understanding the cost and benefits related to urban trees can lead to better designs to improve the urban environment with trees.”