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Updates from the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program
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Towards Tree Equity: Words Matter

This article begins a new and recurring segment of TREEmail in which program staff share learning, events, and program highlights related to tree equity. For more context, read the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program's guiding principles towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Our program strives to protect, grow, and manage our urban forests and support the people who care for the trees in our communities. In the past, VT UCF has referred to the collective group of tree enthusiasts, tree stewards, and advocates as the “Vermont tree tribe”. We have learned this is an insensitive use of the term “tribe”. This term has a history rooted in colonization and is used to marginalize ethnic and cultural groups globally. Using this term to describe groups of people who are not indigenous dismisses the history, culture, and special status of indigenous peoples.

Simply put, words matter. We apologize for harm caused by our use of the word “tribe” in this context. We at VT UCF strive to learn, grow, and expand our collective group of tree stewards. We ask you to join us in embracing this change. Read full article here.

Nominate Your Tree Hero

Tree volunteers help make our community trees thrive! From innovative projects to quietly working behind the scenes, who has inspired you?
Each year the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program and Council sponsors the Vermont Tree Steward Awards as a way to recognize our state's urban and community forestry champions.

Nominations in 5 categories below are due on March 31st, 2023.

  • Hamilton (limited to Vermont Tree Wardens)
  • Leader
  • Practitioner
  • Unsung Hero
  • Volunteer Group/Community
Submit a Nomination

Congratulations to 2023 Grant Recipients

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2023 grant program in two categories: Communities Caring for Canopy and Growing Urban Forests in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer. A total of 16 recipients have received a cumulative funding amount of over $110,000 to support a variety of activities including tree planting to prepare for the loss of ash due to emerald ash borer, tree maintenance, riparian restoration and tree plantings, the establishment of a community tree orchard, and public outreach.

VT UCF is also supporting the second year of fruit and nut tree grants in partnership with the Vermont Garden Network. The 11 recipients of these grants will be increasing access to fruit and nut trees through planting and related educational offerings. 
2023 Grant Recipients

Save the Date:
2023 Vermont Arbor Day Conference

Friday, May 19
Vermont Technical College
Randolph


After a three year hiatus, the Vermont Arbor Day Conference is set to return this spring! We are looking forward to seeing you in person to collaborate and celebrate all things community trees. Registration will be available in March. Contact Gwen at gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu with any questions.
 

Growing Works of Art Contest:
Branching Out

Growing Works of Art is an arts and writing contest for students in grades K-8. The 2023 contest theme is: Branching Out. This theme celebrates the connections we share with trees by creating a work of art and written story that showcases a meaningful experience where students have grown, changed, or learned something new because of the trees in our lives. Students will write a short story (1-3 paragraphs) and create art illustrating their chosen tree. Learn more.

Call for 2023 Public Places Nominations

This awards program recognizes special public spaces, the corridors that connect them, or networks of public spaces which have been defined or enriched by planning or design, as well as regulations that promote positive public uses and benefits.

An entry form must be completed and submitted with the required entry fee per submission. Entries should be submitted by email to bdoucette@segroup.com. Submission deadline is February 27th, 2023.
Submit a Nomination

Additional Resources

Feb. 28, 12pm: Webinar: The cost of not maintaining your trees with the NY Urban & Community Forestry Program.
February 20-26: National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
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TREEmail is brought to you by the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, an initiative of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation in partnership with the University of Vermont Extension. Visit our website, www.vtcommunityforestry.org. TREEmail is made possible in part by the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry.