{"id":1008792,"date":"2025-01-27T09:24:25","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T14:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/?page_id=1008792"},"modified":"2025-10-21T16:17:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T20:17:19","slug":"urban-forestry-initiative","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/what-we-do\/initiatives\/urban-forestry-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"Urban Forestry Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"

Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI)<\/h1>
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Home<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/section>\n\n

About SBN’s Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI) <\/h2>

SBN\u2019s <\/span>Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI)<\/b> was launched as part of the Philly Tree Plan\u2019s implementation, supporting equitable tree canopy expansion in Philadelphia. Backed by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, this initiative strengthens SBN\u2019s role in advancing urban greening through the <\/span>Philly Tree Coalition<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n

In 2024, SBN created the <\/span>Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI<\/b>) to expand its\u00a0 climate resilience programming.<\/span><\/p>\n

The UFI aims to\u00a0 support businesses that are based in or work in the high-priority areas outlined in the Philly Tree Plan (PTP)<\/strong>. The UFI will be modeled after SBN\u2019s successful Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Partners initiative and will convene nurseries, arborists, and other\u00a0 forestry-related businesses to build a business network and community of practice that encourages opportunity sharing, offers education and resources, and supports business expansion through a mentorship program.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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What’s UFI? <\/h2>

The goal of SBN\u2019s Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI) is to build capacity in businesses to support the implementation of the Philly Tree Plan (PTP)<\/strong>. Specifically, SBN will leverage our extensive network to empower urban forestry professionals and independent businesses to lead efforts in job creation, equitable economic growth, and climate resilience. This work will focus on low-canopy neighborhoods, as described in the PTP.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n

How SBN Supports Urban Forestry Businesses<\/h2>

SBN\u2019s <\/span>Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI)<\/b> supports nurseries, arborists, and forestry-related businesses by fostering opportunity-sharing, providing technical assistance, and facilitating business expansion through mentorship and contracting opportunities. UFI connects businesses with workforce partners like <\/span>PowerCorps PHL<\/b> to strengthen talent pipelines and drive industry growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the five-year grant period, UFI aims to build a <\/span>network of 30+ businesses<\/b> equipped to implement Philly Tree Plan projects and community-driven initiatives. Currently, SBN is conducting a <\/span>business needs assessment<\/b> to shape targeted training, events, and resources. Future programming will include <\/span>quarterly meetings, industry updates, and skill-building opportunities<\/b> to ensure businesses are prepared to thrive and contribute to Philadelphia\u2019s urban forestry and climate resilience efforts. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Contact Us<\/h2>

If you\u2019re interested in learning more about SBN\u2019s Urban Forestry Initiative or if you\u2019re a business that would like to sign up for membership, please contact Alex Cupo, Senior Manager for Climate Resilience Programs, at <\/span>alex@sbnphiladelphia.org<\/span><\/a>. To determine if your business or organization qualifies for a complimentary membership, please fill out the scholarship application form with the button below.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>Apply For a UFI Membership Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n