What is the Santa Clara County Urban Forest Master Plan?
The Santa Clara County Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is a strategic framework designed to guide the growth, preservation, and management of trees and green spaces across the county. Our urban forest includes all the trees in parks, streets, schools, residential areas, and open spaces. This plan represents our commitment to creating vibrant, healthy, and resilient landscapes that support ecological health and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
The County of Santa Clara Office of Sustainability and Resilience is developing a county-wide Urban Forest Master Plan in coordination with Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance (SCVUFA).
How will this effort benefit me?
Trees make our community healthier and more resilient!
- Trees Clean Air and Water: Trees filter pollutants from the air and water, improving health and wellness.
- Trees Improve Climate Resilience: Trees help reduce urban heat, absorb carbon dioxide, and prevent stormwater runoff, making our communities more resilient to climate change.
- Trees Provide Wildlife Habitat: Our urban forest provides essential habitats for birds, insects, and other local wildlife.
- Tree Provide Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Access to green spaces boosts mental health, reduces stress, and encourages physical activity.
Trees Contribute Economic Benefits: Increased property values, reduced energy costs, and enhanced tourism make a strong case for investing in urban forests. The Urban Forest Master Plan will:
- Provide a 40-year vision for Santa Clara County’s trees
- Serve as a road map to support regional urban forestry management
- Develop community- based strategies to expand tree canopy and connect people with trees.
How Can You Engage to Help us grow a greener, healthier county?
Help Shape the Future of Your Urban Forest.
Take a few minutes to share your views on trees in our community by participating in our County-wide Urban Forest Master Plan Survey. Share the Survey with your network, family and friends.
Why Participate?
- Influence future decisions on urban greening.
- Help identify areas needing more trees and canopy coverage.
- Support community health and biodiversity.
Who Should Take the Survey?
- Residents of all ages and backgrounds.
- Property owners, renters, and businesses alike.
Apply for the Community Outreach Mini-Grant Solicitation
Call to community-based organizations and nonprofits in Santa Clara County to apply for the mini-grant solicitation to support community outreach and engagement efforts associated with developing the Santa Clara County Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP).
Awarded organizations will receive a $5,000 - 15,000 grant to implement community outreach and engagement efforts for the UFMP.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Join the SCVUFA to represent your organization that works on urban forestry issues. The Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance (SCVUFA) is a work group of the Santa Clara County Climate Collaborative (SC4) and facilitates collaboration and sharing among urban forestry stakeholders to expand and preserve urban tree canopy and mitigate detrimental effects on the environment and human health, especially in areas with disadvantaged populations. For more information about the Collaborative and SCVUFA and to join, click here.
Project Stages and Timeline
Contact Us
Submit questions or feedback to [email protected]
Funding for this Project has been provided from the 2021/2022 FY General Funds by a grant administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection (CAL FIRE) Urban and Community Forestry Program.