Vision + Practice of Forest Urbanism — Biophilic Cities

Sysmposium | The Vision and practice of forest urbanism

October 2025

Over the course of the symposium, participants engaged in a multidisciplinary exploration of the essential role of trees and forests in urban landscapes. Sessions will introduce the work of the CFU fellows with backgrounds in art, music, and psychology; innovative law and policy aiming to preserve mature urban trees; case studies in tree-friendly development practices; and engagement initiatives from the local Charlottesville community.

AGENDA

materials

Recorded Presentations

Jeremy Hoffman | Trees, Buildings, Pavement, Plans: How Urban Design Affects Climate Stressors

Tim Beatley | What is forest urbanism?

Aaron Reuben | Environmental Neuropsychology at UVA

Sanda Ilescu | The Day the Old Maple Tree Came Down

Matthew Burtner | Oak Leaves Light

Oak Leaves Light (short film)

Slide Presentations

Jeremy Hoffman | Trees, Buildings, Pavement, Plans: How Urban Design Affects Climate Stressors

Jeremy Hoffman | Trees, Buildings, Pavement, Plans: How Urban Design Affects Climate Stressors

Tim Beatley | What is forest urbanism?

Tim Beatley | What is forest urbanism?

Jamie K. Reaser | How Trees Root City Dwellers

Jamie K. Reaser | How Trees Root City Dwellers

Aaron Reuben | Environmental Neuropsychology at UVA

Aaron Reuben | Environmental Neuropsychology at UVA

Sanda Ilescu | The Day the Old Maple Tree Came Down

Sanda Ilescu | The Day the Old Maple Tree Came Down

JD Brown | Policies + Planning Strategies to Preserve Mature Urban Trees on Private Lands

JD Brown | Policies + Planning Strategies to Preserve Mature Urban Trees on Private Lands

Vincent Verweij | Arlington County Tree Canopy Regulations

Vincent Verweij | Arlington County Tree Canopy Regulations

Ann Jurczyk | Virginia Code Provisions for Preserving Mature Trees

Ann Jurczyk | Virginia Code Provisions for Preserving Mature Trees

Kathryn Kolb | Tree Ordinances Challenges and Solutions

Kathryn Kolb | Tree Ordinances Challenges and Solutions

Cathy Boyd | RELEAF CVILLE

Cathy Boyd | RELEAF CVILLE

Bill Sublette | Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards

Bill Sublette | Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards

Lisa Wittenborn | Forest Urbanism and the Rivanna River

Lisa Wittenborn | Forest Urbanism and the Rivanna River

Jill Trischman-Marks | Botanical Garden of the Piedmont

Jill Trischman-Marks | Botanical Garden of the Piedmont

Tim Beatley | Engaging the Public in Protecting Trees + Forests

Tim Beatley | Engaging the Public in Protecting Trees + Forests

Posters

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Self-Guided Tour

Event Images

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