October is Urban & Community Forestry Month
Gov. Jay Inslee officially proclaimed October as “Urban and Community Forestry Month” in Washington for the eighth consecutive year, encouraging all Washingtonians to reflect on the value of community trees and appreciate their beauty and benefits. Read the proclamation here.
During this time of year our urban forests, planted with native and non-native trees, provide a unique array of colors and connect us with the spirit of nature, painting our communities with the warm tones of autumn - orange, red and purple - and reminding us that planting new trees can always provide hope for a better tomorrow.
Green Cities Partnership
With funding from the Port of Seattle’s Airport Community Ecology (ACE) Fund, Forterra, a local nonprofit, is expanding its Green Cities Partnership program to Burien, SeaTac, and Des Moines. The partnership will help the City of Burien restore and care for Burien’s urban forest. The project goals through 2020 include:
- Assessments of current tree canopy cover and forest health conditions in parks and natural areas.
- Community outreach and engagement to guide project prioritization and implementation.
- Developing a 20-year plan for restoring forests and increasing tree canopy in Burien.
- Implementation of projects and volunteer programs to organize local neighbors and community groups to plant trees, remove invasive plant species, and meet restoration goals.

Draft Green Burien Partnership Urban Forest Stewardship Plan
Download a PDF draft copy of the Green Burien Partnership Urban Forest Stewardship Plan.
Download the Green Cities Partnership and Green Burien Urban Forest Stewardship Plan PowerPoint presentation by Ali Yeates Lakehart of Forterra, shown at the October 19, 2020, City Council meeting.
Trees, Municipal Code and Forestry Program
The City continues to strive for the goal of balancing development with protecting our urban forests. On July 9, 2020, we invited Ian Gray, ISA-certified master arborist, to share his 20+ years of experience working as the urban forestry and natural resource manager for the City of Renton and city forester for Aspen, Colorado. Watch a video of the recorded webinar.
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