2026 TN Urban Forestry Conference
We’re Raising the Canopy in Memphis!
Join Tennessee’s urban forestry community at the Memphis Botanic Garden for two days of education, field experiences, and networking at the 2026 Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference.
This year’s theme, Raising the Canopy, reflects a commitment to being intentional in our work. Inspired by the arboricultural practice of selectively pruning lower branches to increase clearance, the theme challenges us to raise our standards of practice and think purposefully about how today’s work impacts the long term health of trees, urban forests, and people.
With sessions spanning urban forestry planning & policy, arboricultural practices & research, and community engagement & advocacy, the conference offers practical learning and meaningful connections for everyone working to advance urban & community forestry in Tennessee.
Registration will open later this summer. In the meantime, there are several ways to get involved:
🌳 Attend the Conference
Registration → (Coming this Summer)
🎤 Present at the Conference
We are accepting proposals for presentations of varying lengths, longform workshops, panel discussions, field tours/experiences. We will also have limited space to feature posters and displays.
🤝 Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
Showcase your organization while supporting professional education and networking for Tennessee’s urban forestry community.
Review the Sponsor Guide (p. 9)
Why Attend?
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference brings together professionals and engaged community members who plant, care, and advocate for trees.
Conference highlights include:
- Keynote presentations
- Concurrent educational sessions
- Field experiences featuring local sites and demonstrations
- Industry exhibitors and sponsors
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Networking with professionals and tree advocates from across the region
- Awards and recognition
- Participation in the annual TUFC membership meeting
Who Should Attend?
The conference welcomes professionals and volunteers from across urban and community forestry, including:
- Municipal urban foresters and arborists
- Commercial arborists and tree care companies
- Utility foresters
- Parks and recreation professionals
- Landscape architects and planners
- Consulting arborists
- Foresters and natural resource professionals
- Nonprofit organizations
- Tree boards and commissions
- Community tree advocates
- Educators and students
About This Year’s Theme
Raising the Canopy
In arboriculture, Raising the Canopy is the intentional pruning practice of improving a tree’s long-term function by creating space beneath it. It requires thoughtful decisions today that lead to better outcomes tomorrow.
Our conference theme applies that same mindset across the urban and community forestry ecosystem. Whether we’re caring for trees, managing urban forests, leading a workforce, engaging communities, or shaping policy, Raising the Canopy challenges us to be intentional in our work, raise the standard of practice, and build communities where all people and trees thrive together.
Pre-Conference & Affiliated Events
We currently have a half-day Urban Forestry Credential Preparation Course scheduled at 12:00 PM (CT) on Wed., 10/28. A second pre-conference workshop may be added. Registration for pre-conference workshops is separate from conference registration.
We will also host a Welcome Party on the evening of Wed., 10/28. This kickoff event has turned into a favorite in recent years so be sure to arrive early for what will certainly be a good time. RSVP through the conference registration form.
If your organization would to host an affiliated event during the week leading up to the conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear what you have in mind!
Memphis Botanic Garden
Located in the heart of Audubon Park in East Memphis, the Memphis Botanic Garden provides an inspiring setting among 96 acres of beautiful gardens and mature trees. The Memphis Botanic Garden is recognized by TUFC as a Center of Excellence and Level IV Arboretum for its leading role in community tree education for the region, including serving as the homebase for the West TN Chapter of TUFC.
Call for Presentation Proposals
We’re looking for engaging presentations, field tours and demonstrations, lightning talks, and panel discussions that offer practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and lessons learned.
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities
The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with community tree advocates as well as leading professionals from municipalities, tree care companies, consulting firms, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions throughout Tennessee.
Sponsors receive recognition before, during, and after the conference while helping TUFC deliver high-quality programming.
Review the Sponsor Guide (p. 9)
Stay Tuned
Registration, hotel options, keynote speakers, session schedule, exhibitors, and additional conference details will be announced soon.
We look forward to seeing you in Memphis this October as we continue Raising the Canopy together.