Summer 2024 Edition

Hello! This edition is jam-packed with quality reading material to escape the summer heat with.

Each Specialized Forestry Program has written an article to share relevant information to the summer season. A quick introduction is included for each program area for new readers. Stick around to the end for a full list of currently open DFFM grant opportunities and other events. Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoy!

- AZDFFM Specialized Forestry Programs

Urban and Community Forestry

The DFFM Urban and Community Forestry Program is a cooperative forestry program, funded primarily by the USDA Forest Service, that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources. The program provides technical assistance, education and other resources – responding to the needs of urban areas by helping communities maintain, restore and improve urban forest ecosystems throughout Arizona.

What is the relationship between heat, trees, and history?

Written by Timara Crichlow

Urban Forestry Specialist

Did you know that the history of where you live can determine how much access you have to trees and ultimately how much heat you experience?

Image from the AZDFFM 2017 Shade Tree Prioritization Map, a resource available to help identify areas with the highest need for increased tree canopy.

Redlining was the historic process of racially segregating housing in the mid 20th century. Through this process, decision-makers created maps of where they would and would not offer housing loans and insurance. Neighborhoods with minority populations were often outlined in red on these maps, hence the term “redlining.” In cities around the nation, researchers have determined that formerly redlined neighborhoods have less trees and experience more heat than other neighborhoods.

You may have noticed that standing under a shady tree can drastically impact how much heat you feel from the sun. In fact, an increase in tree canopy to 25% in Phoenix could lead to around 4.3 degrees F of cooling! However, how and where we increase tree canopy is just as important as the trees themselves. There are online tools that allow us to see which areas are most in need of tree canopy due to not only how much tree canopy they have, but also the demographics of who lives there. The 2017 Shade Tree Planting Prioritization Map produced by AZ DFFM shows places that are in higher need of shade trees. Tree Equity Score is another tool that you can use to determine the need for tree canopy in neighborhoods, and it will even show you which neighborhoods were previously redlined. Using these tools, we can work toward not only a greener future, but a more equitable one!

More Urban and Community Forestry Happenings

Meet our new Urban Forestry Specialist - Timara Crichlow!

"I'm a Phoenix area native who just graduated with my Master's degree in Sustainability from ASU. I'm excited to put my knowledge to work here at DFFM! Outside of work, I love salsa dancing, board games, and watercolor painting - especially painting trees!"

This means our UCF team is fully staffed - we have a Program Manager and two Specialists! Be sure to reach out to ucf@dffm.az.gov if you have any technical support needs, interest in our UCF programs, or would like to welcome Timara to the team! :)

The TREE Grant is OPEN! Seeking Project Proposals to Support Tree City USA and Tree Campus Communities

The DFFM Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant Program provides assistance to currently recognized Tree City USA communities, Tree Campus USA campuses and community organizations directly serving program participants with the management, improvement, or conservation of community trees.

Application are due August 6, 2024. Submissions must be made via the eCivis Online Portal to be considered. Click the button for more information and contact details!

Learn more and Apply

https://gn.ecivis.com/GO/gn_redir/T/123a9p5vh34r6

Pictured: The Apache Junction team and Mayor with their Arbor Day Proclamation!

Congrats to our newest Tree City USA community, Apache Junction!

Apache Junction is a city in Pinal and Maricopa counties with a population of about 40,000 residents. Over the past few years, they have made strides to increase their tree canopy and improve tree care around in their community. Here at DFFM, we are very excited about their recent accomplishment: In 2023, they achieved Tree City USA recognition for the first time!

Read an article about their efforts written by DFFM intern Kendall Boyd by clicking the button below!

Updates & News:

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 2025-2030 Strategic Direction

The SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard promotes sustainable urban and community forests based on 16 objectives. It is applicable for organizations that own, manage, or are responsible for urban and/or community forests.

Their Strategic Directions shares short, medium, and long term goals for sustainable forest management.

Find the News Release and Strategic Direction document here!

In case you missed it: the DFFM Urban and Community Forestry team is also seeking feedback for our upcoming Five Year Strategic Plan!

While the chance to win a gift card has passed, you can still take the 15 minute survey below to share your valuable perspectives. We appreciate you taking the time to help focus our efforts on what’s most relevant, needed, and effective on-the-ground in our communities.

Take the Survey

Opportunity: City of Mesa Youth Climate Action Microgrant

The City of Mesa is accepting applications for the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund! This opportunity is available for youth between 15 and 24 years of age who live in, attend school in, or whose initiatives directly benefit the City of Mesa. Please share this opportunity with passionate youth and whose work supports youth in the Mesa area.

View the digital flyer for more details!

For fun: An urban forestry book to add to your summer reading list!

"The Nature of Our Cities" by Dr. Nadina Galle explores how technology is supporting sustainability and resilience of our urban green spaces through real-world examples. Get inspired by talking trees, super sensors, and fire-fighting robots!

Check it out

Forest Health

The DFFM Forest Health Program is composed of the Invasive Plant Program and the Insect and Disease Program. The Forest Health program is a cooperative forestry program partially funded by the USDA Forest Service that provides education, technical assistance, and cooperative, integrated management strategies to help prevent and manage native, non-native and invasive insects, diseases, and plant outbreaks to help achieve healthy forest, woodland, riparian, and desert stand conditions.

Invasive Plants

PlayCleanGo: Promoting Responsible Recreation!

Written by Jessi Szopinski

Invasive Plant Program Specialist

Did you hear about PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, from June 1st-8th? This event kicks off annually during the first week of June and focuses on stopping the spread of invasive plants and other pests while recreating outdoors. The campaign provides simple ways to take action, delivering a well-timed reminder to be mindful of the impact you may have while exploring the great outdoors during peak travel season.

Prevention is essential to the long-term management of invasive plant populations. The problem is not the actual invasive plant itself, but that the species has been tracked or transported to an area where it does not belong. And, more often than not, these plants are being spread unintentionally through human activity- which means both the problem and solution lie with us.

Image: PlayCleanGo Awareness Week offers free graphics like this one which shows a five-star dog (and hiker!) keeping their paws and boots clean while hiking outdoors. They are available to share - and we encourage you to!

By adopting routines to keep your outdoor gear and equipment clean between adventures, you can do your part to help protect the beautiful, unique spaces that make Arizona home.

To learn more about how you can PlayCleanGo, please visit:

https://playcleango.org/take-action/

The Invasive Plant Grant is OPEN and Seeking Projects!

DFFM, with funding provided by the State of Arizona and USDA Forest Service, is soliciting project proposals from $50,000 to $200,000 for the prevention, control and eradication of nonnative invasive plants / noxious weeds. Projects may occur on state, federal, tribal and private lands in Arizona.

Applications must be submitted online and are due July 26, 2024. For eligibility information and contact details, click the button or link to view the eCivis page!

View the Invasive Plant Grant

https://gn.ecivis.com/GO/gn_redir/T/12p8p8on5eu8h

In the News

The invasive Arundo reed threatens Arizona rivers. Why getting rid of it is so difficult - AZ Central

Managing Saltcedar - The University of Arizona

Insect & Disease

Maintaining Tree Health Through the Summer Heat

Written by Aly McAlexander

Forest Health Program Manager

As temperatures continue to rise and we move further into the summer season, our trees become increasingly stressed. It is extremely important to keep an eye on our trees health during this time of the year, and immediately reach out to a tree care professional if you suspect your tree is stressed and/or declining.

One of the first recommendations we give homeowners to help maintain their tree’s health during the summer months, is to provide additional deep watering opportunities for the trees.

Image: Mature tree in the summer sun. In most cases, mature trees don't need much supplemental watering - but even they can need some extra attention during the summer months!

Trees use more water during the summer months, therefore your watering schedule should be adjusted to cover this loss. Please check out some of the resources provided regarding watering techniques to maintain your trees health!

Resources for more information on Tree Watering:

Watering trees and shrubs: Simple techniques for efficient landscape watering

Arizona Urban Tree Stress Alert

Water - Use It Wisely - Plant Watering Guide

Drought and Extreme Heat: Plant Responses and Landscape Maintenance Practices

Using Rainwater in Urban Landscapes: Quick Guide for Maricopa Country

Grant Opportunities

Currently Open:

Coming Soon:

Community Challenge Grant (CCG) in late summer 2024
Second round of Inflation Reduction Act funding in early 2025

Technical Assistance Resources for Grants:

Webinars, Training and Events

Professional Conferences:

Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education - August 9 - Glendale, AZ

Arizona Association for Environmental Education - September 13 - Tucson, AZ

Arizona Community Tree Council Annual Conference & Pest Management Workshop, plus Community Food Forests Forum - September 19 - Camp Verde, AZ

North American Invasive Species Management Association 32nd Annual Conference - September 30- October 3 - Missoula, MT

Partners in Community Forestry Conference - November 18-21 - Chicago, IL

Professional Classes:

Arborist Basics - July 12 - Yuma, AZ

Invasive Annual Grasses Field Workshop - July 16 - Sheridan, WY

Arborist Basics - July 19 - Somerton, AZ

Chainsaw and Chipper Safety Workshop - October 18 - Peoria, AZ

En Español: Proper Irrigation, Fertilization and Installation - November 1 - Yuma, AZ

Tree Climbing Specialist Program - November 15 - Chandler, AZ

Webinars:

Indigenous Voices and Stewardship in Urban Landscapes - July 10

Safety Differently - July 23

Roots and Rivers: The Crucial Connection Between Forests and Watersheds - July 26

Is Your Tree Protection Ordinance Constitutional? - September 19

Recording: Meet the Urban Forestry & Ecology Innovators from 'The Nature of Our Cities'

Recording: Mastering Grant Writing for Urban Forestry, Ecosystem Restoration, & Wetland Improvement Projects

Certifications:

ISA - Certified Arborist Exam - September 20 - Camp Verde, AZ

ISA Tree Climbing Specialist Exam - November 16 - Chandler, AZ

Did you know?

Learn more about fire safety and Firewise USA.

Thanks for reading!

The State of Arizona Urban and Community Forestry Program is made possible with assistance from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this

institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Suggestions or comments? We want to hear from you! Contact Megan Lasley, Forestry Outreach Coordinator at mlasley@dffm.az.gov