The Alabama Tree Recovery Campaign is distributing 30,000 trees in 16 communities in the first phase of an effort to reforest the state's communities damaged in the April 2011 tornados. This large-scale, multi-year initiative was launched jointly in June of last year by the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Arbor Day Foundation.

An intense battle is building in San Francisco's urban forest over a plan to cut down thousands of eucalyptus and other non-natives and replace them with natives such as oaks, coyote brush and ferns. Both sides are claiming biodiversity as the goal.

Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) was selected by the USDA People's Garden Initiativeto deliver subgrants to local member organizations nationwide designed to promote the connection between trees and community agriculture by supporting the planting of shade trees to shelter and protect community gardens, and fruit and nut trees to serve local residents. An informational webcast on December 15 at 1pm EST will feature additional background and details about the grant.

The Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests Task Force has established recommendations that "call for a new governmental approach to urban forestry, new and innovative resources and research, and recognition of the economic opportunity that can be achieved through partnerships and collaboration." Two NASF members served on the  task force: Larry Kotchman, North Dakota State Forester, and Monica Lear, State Forester of the District of Columbia.

The Arbor Day Foundation's national Partners in Community Forestry conference convenes next week in Orlando, bringing together leaders across urban forestry's many diverse groups. Florida State Forester Jim Karels will welcome attendees on Monday as they kick of the week of sessions focused on promoting best practices in urban forest management, sustainable partnership models and innovation in programs and projects.