The Arkansas Urban Forestry Council takes an active role in increasing the public’s awareness of the value of trees. Given here are a few examples of some of the projects AUFC has been involved with. If you are interested in taking part in future projects please contact AUFC.
Arbor Day Ceremony
See Arkansas ReLeaf Project. The State Arbor Day Ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial in Vilonia before the Arkansas ReLeaf Project on March 16, 2013. For Arbor Day Outreach Communication, click here.
AUFC Annual Conference
The AUFC Annual Conference advances the mission of AUFC by providing an annual learning and networking event. Highlights include:
- Educational Sessions
- Awards Ceremonies
- Silent Auction
- Exhibitors
The 21st Annual AUFC Conference was held June 25-26, 2012 at Lake Point Conference Center, Russellville. Approximately 45 people were in attendance.
Sessions included “Trees in Sustainable Housing: Problems with Implementation in English Developments, “Green Infrastructure Planning in Northwest Arkansas,” “The Johnny Appleseed Effect,” “Arkansas’s Historic Trees,” Tikkun Olam ‘Repairing Our World’ with GPS/GIS,” “Oklahoma City’s Survivor Tree,” “Using a Gravel Bed to Facilitate Urban Tree Planting,” and “Getting Communities Involved in the Urban Forest.” Outdoor exhibitions were tree climbing and Air Spade demonstrations.
At AUFC’s 2012 annual awards luncheon, Alison Litchy was recognized as Outstanding Professional of the Year and Dr. Douglas Jeffries was recognized as Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
AUFC’s 22nd Annual Conference, “Partnerships to Grove Your Tree Canopy,” will be held June 4, 2013 in Little Rock. Save the date. Watch our Events Page for further information.
Arkansas ReLeaf Project
The goal of this project in 2013 was to assist the Community of Vilonia and surrounding Faulkner County by restoring the tree canopy that was lost due to tornado damage. AUFC kicked off a state-wide Arbor Day Celebration at Vilonia on Saturday, March 16. Arkansas’ official Arbor Day is the third Monday in March. A tree planting was held on Friday, March 15, at Vilonia Ball Park. A ceremonial tree was planted at the Veterans Memorial, and Mayor James Firestone read the Arbor Day Proclamation. Kyle Cunningham, president of AUFC, Chris Stuhlinger, treasurer of AUFC, and Patti Erwin of the Arkansas Forestry Commission all spoke about the significance of the project and the celebration of Arbor Day. Citizens who were impacted by the storm received free trees and hot dogs in the Fire Department parking lot. Instructions in proper tree care were given. Eighty-seven people participated.
Participating partners of this Arkansas ReLeaf project were the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the City of Vilonia, First Security Bank, Sweet Heat BBQ, Mangan Holcomb Partners and Little Rock Urban Forestry.
Past projects were held in Arkadelphia, Haskell, Dumas, Mena, Scotland and Marmaduke.
The next Arkansas ReLeaf Project and Arbor Day Celebration location will be announced at a later date and will be held in March 2014.
Environmental Design with Trees Workshop
An all-day workshop, Environmental Design with Trees, was held on August 23, 2012, at the Pauline Whitaker Arena, Fayetteville, Arkansas, with an attendance of 63. Workshop attendees learned about what to consider at the site when selecting tree species, features of native trees, how to protect existing trees during construction and the correct planting procedures that can determine the tree’s long term health and increase the tree’s ability to become established sooner. The public was invited and professionals involved in tree programs who attended received continuing education credits. Participating partners of this event were McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc.; UofA Division of Agriculture, Research & Extension; Arkansas Forestry Commission and USDA Forest Service.
Trees Are Good for Business Workshop
An all-day workshop was held on Thursday, Oct. 11, at City Hall at 204 N. West Avenue in El Dorado for those interested in enhancing his or her community with trees.
Properly selected and placed trees can attract businesses and visitors, encouraging economic development and ultimately increasing a city’s tax base. Attendees learned how to implement tree projects similar to successful projects in several Arkansas communities, develop a landscape ordinance and design streetscapes. The Tree City USA program and the benefits of urban trees were also highlighted. Professionals involved in tree programs who attended received continuing education credits. There were 32 people in attendance. Participating partners of this event were Mayor Frank Hash, the City of El Dorado, the City of El Dorado Tree Board, Calion Lumber Company, Inc., and Anthony Forest Products Company. This was a NeighborWoods Month Event through Allliance for Community Trees.
Arborist Service Day
On September 16, 2006, the AUFC held an Arborist Service Day in Conway, Arkansas at the Conway Human Development Center, a state-managed residential training facility for people with developmental disabilities. The property consists of approximately 409 acres with numerous trees, however; they do not have the resources or manpower to do their own tree work.
Although there was a very small turnout of volunteers (15 people total), several thousand dollars worth of needed tree work for this facility was completed, due of the use of three bucket trucks, one chipper and several tree climbers.
The AUFC was represented by Chuck Daniels, Dr. Lynne Thompson, Chris Stuhlinger, and Mike Parsons. The Ouachita Job Corps Urban Forestry Division from Hot Springs furnished their bucket truck, chipper, and chainsaws along with the services of Ron VanWechel and Motak Abon, instructors; Travis Hartsell, Jordan Bland, Russell Isbell, Glenn Denton, and Dan Odell, students. Mike Parsons & Son Tree Service from Bauxite furnished their bucket truck and chainsaws along with the services of Mike Parsons, Harvey Brown and David Brewer. Quality Tree Service from Vilonia furnished their bucket truck and chainsaws along with the services of Don and Debbie Page. The Arkansas Forestry Commission was represented by Larry Nance, Deputy State Forester.
