Rooted in Community: A Blueprint for a Sustainable Tree Adoption Program

Wednesday, September 30 from 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM EST

Room 115AB

Session Type: 1-Hour Education Session

Topic(s):
Community Engagement, Conservation, Data and Evaluation, Environmental Resilience, Partnerships

Description:
Originally developed as a small-scale initiative in 2010, San Antonio Parks and Recreation’s Tree Adoption Program is now a core department service, with 9,000+ saplings distributed to the community via engagement events each year. But the story is far more complex than the numbers suggest. This program has become a powerful tool in fostering a more sustainable and resilient San Antonio by strategically bringing trees to the neighborhoods most impacted by low tree canopy and the urban heat island effect. Join us as we trace the program's journey from its relatively humble beginnings to its current strategic and impactful state. This session will cover the basic logistics of developing and running a tree adoption program, as well as explore how strong community partnerships, innovative use of GIS tools and forestry engagement research have been instrumental in expanding and deepening the program's impact during the past 15 years.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will understand the core framework for building and scaling a successful tree adoption program based on the San Antonio Parks and Recreation model.

2. Attendees will learn to proactively address community resistance to tree planting by understanding common concerns and exploring proven strategies for resolution.

3. Attendees will learn how GIS, data and research resources can be leveraged to create an effective community forestry engagement plan.

Speaker(s):
Meredith Tilley
Ross Hosea