What is Urban Forestry?

Nature isn't just out in the wilderness and trees aren't just found in forests. Natural resource management techniques are frequently used by cities and municipalities for community planning. These careers help communities embrace natural resources, whether it's managing parks for recreation and aesthetics, planting native plants along roadsides, or working with city engineers in planning construction projects with sustainability in mind. The following careers allow urban areas to work with natural resources:

• Arborist
• Urban Forester
• Environmental Planner
• Community Educator
• Park Manager
• Nursery Manager
• Public/Private Consultant
• Roadside Vegetation Management

Which Major and Option should you choose?

To obtain a career in one of these fields we recommend pursuing a degree in

Forestry

Did this narrow your decision for you? Probably not. While you can reach any of these careers through either of our majors, what it’ll come down to is what knowledge you’re most interested in having. Do you want a background more focused on wildlife or the environment?

To further complicate your decision, for each of our majors you also have to select a specialization, known as an Option. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) you also have your pick of options here!

Tips for pursuing these careers:

• Learn your plants!
  Even in urban settings, undesirable species creep up, especially plants. Being able to identify invasive species is an important skill for anyone managing land. Courses on plant ID will expand your knowledge in this area.
• Know the community!
  If you're looking for a job in a certain area, do some research into the community itself. How many people live there? What businesses are present? Some urban forestry jobs serve communities directly, so understanding what a community values is incredibly important.
• Pick up additional skills!
  Ever used a chainsaw? Driven a skid-loader? Many natural resource jobs require the use of special tools and equipment. Learning how to safely use and maintain equipment can prepare you for tasks you'll be given in your future career.

Looking for something to complement your major?