About the Alabama Urban Forestry Association (AUFA)
Established in 1989, the Alabama Urban Forestry Association (AUFA) is a committed leader in the issues of urban forestry. AUFA promotes proper tree care, tree protection and other tree issues in the urban setting.
As a statewide non-profit organization, AUFA has a diverse membership of arboricultural professionals, horticulturists, landscape workers, community tree board members, tree-care volunteers and interested citizens who care about trees where they live and work. Guided by a Board of Directors and the AUFA Council, services are designed to support members’ efforts to replant, maintain, sustain and expand the urban landscape.
What we do
Well-managed trees are a vital part of the urban environment and enhance the quality-of-life in our communities and towns. The key to their enjoyment is to have trees that are safe, healthy, plentiful, well placed and attractive.
AUFA develops partnerships to further better tree management, promote professionalism by encouraging professional certification, licensing and continuing education, produce seminars and workshops to increase knowledge in arboriculture and work with public officials and stakeholders about issues affecting urban forestry.
Our goals
To act as a catalyst and advocate of urban forestry programs and issues.
To provide a forum for discussion about urban forestry issues by those involved.
To serve as a clearing house and resource center for urban forestry information.
To serve as a liaison and advocate for policies and regulations affecting urban forestry.
To provide and encourage education on urban forestry topics.
In order to coordinate and further the work of urban forestry in the state, Alabama Urban Forestry Association formed a strategic partnership with the Alabama Forestry Commission, Auburn University through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and School of Forestry and Wildlife Services, and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
History of AUFA
The concept of urban forestry was introduced nationally in the 1960s, defining urban and community forestry as managing the urban forest as a system, not as individual trees. It borrowed elements from traditional forest management, including administration, policy, finance, planning, planting, maintenance, assessments, education and removal. In the 1970s, state forestry agencies began developing programs that provided urban forestry technical assistance to individuals and communities. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) fulfilled that role in Alabama beginning in the late 1970s, with an emphasis on helping towns and cities organize local municipal tree programs.
In 1990, AUFA legally organized as a nonprofit organization, providing structure for representative involvement in the state’s urban and community forestry program. AUFA’s diverse membership has produced a training program for the state’s local tree maintenance departments and tree care professionals. The association’s annual convention is recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture for its excellent continuing educational value for professional arborists and tree commission members. AUFA has provided leadership in enhancing dialogue between the public and private sectors.
In 1999, AUFA coordinates its efforts with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences (AU-SFWS) and the Forestry Service in a statewide partnership that works to better deliver services and resources across the state.
Since 2002, AUFA has had a paid executive director and has begun new outreach efforts to grow the organization. In 2003, the AUFA Council revised the bylaws to implement election of the Board of Directors by the members.
Why join AUFA?
Invitations to networking forums.
Access to continuing education opportunities and professional development programs.
We offer CEU’s for International Society of Arborists and many other related organizations.
Discounts to AUFA seminars, workshops and annual convention.
Notice of tree grant opportunities available through federal government, corporations and private foundations.
Valuable information on the latest technology, industry updates via our website and email bulletins.
Technical information via referrals to certified arborists and other qualified professionals.
Joining AUFA
AUFA annual membership dues are $25.00.
Dues may be paid by cash, check, purchase order, or by credit card (VISA OR MASTERCARD).
Credit card information may be given over the phone or by FAX.
Dues and donations sent to AUFA may qualify as tax deductions. AUFA has IRS 501(c)(3) exempt status.
Click Here To Become A Member
AUFA Newsletter -- Four times a year, as one of the benefits of membership, AUFA publishes and mails to members a multi-page newsletter. AUFA is posts the newsletter on this site, as a means of saving postage, work, and trees.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
If you have specific questions about trees and their proper management, AUFA can refer you to urban forestry specialists, professional arborists, government agencies, municipal tree commissions and others who can offer advice.
Click here for a downloadable copy of the AUFA Bylaws.
