Urban Forest Master Plan

As part of our OC Loves Trees program, we're creating a long-term plan that will help shape how we protect, plant, and care for trees countywide over the next 20+ years.

We want to hear from you! Use the mapping tool below to show us where trees are needed. You can also plant your ideas, ask questions, and share your love for trees.

The OC Loves Trees Urban Forest Master Plan will be rooted in technical analysis and community engagement, designed to help the project team understand Orange County’s current tree canopy, opportunities to expand the canopy, and actions that will deliver real benefits to communities.

Click the subscribe button on this page to stay informed about events and community engagement opportunities.

As part of our OC Loves Trees program, we're creating a long-term plan that will help shape how we protect, plant, and care for trees countywide over the next 20+ years.

Click the subscribe button on this page to stay informed about events and community engagement opportunities.

First Public Workshop Held Sept. 29

Share First Public Workshop Held Sept. 29 on Facebook Share First Public Workshop Held Sept. 29 on X (formerly Twitter) Share First Public Workshop Held Sept. 29 on Linkedin Email First Public Workshop Held Sept. 29 link

We’re listening to your feedback and ideas as we create our first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan.

Our first public workshop for our long-term tree plan was held on Sept. 29 at the Orange County Innovation Center. Participants used maps to mark where trees are needed, ranked their favorite tree community and outreach strategies, and learned about a variety of native trees and their benefits.

We’re listening to your feedback and ideas as we create our first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan.

Our first public workshop for our long-term tree plan was held on Sept. 29 at the Orange County Innovation Center. Participants used maps to mark where trees are needed, ranked their favorite tree community and outreach strategies, and learned about a variety of native trees and their benefits.

You need to be signed in to add your comment.
Register Sign In

You need to be signed in to add your comment.

Thank you for your contribution!

Help us reach out to more people in the community

Share this with family and friends

No thanks

0 comments
Orange County launches plan to protect and expand tree canopy

Share Orange County launches plan to protect and expand tree canopy on Facebook Share Orange County launches plan to protect and expand tree canopy on X (formerly Twitter) Share Orange County launches plan to protect and expand tree canopy on Linkedin Email Orange County launches plan to protect and expand tree canopy link

Spectrum News: Full Article here: Orange County launches plan to expand tree canopy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As Central Florida continues to grow, Orange County is taking steps to protect and expand its tree canopy.
The county is launching its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan — a long-term effort focused on protecting existing trees and adding more green space over the next two decades.
About 35% of Orange County is currently covered by trees, and officials want to increase that to 48% by 2050.
Planners say more trees can help reduce hot surface temperatures, improve air quality, manage stormwater and increase economic value in unincorporated areas.
“They provide shade, manage stormwater, cleaner air and water. And it’s important that we plan for them like we do other types of infrastructure here in Orange County,” said Brooke Perry, chief planner with the county’s Zoning Division.
County planners have been studying approaches used locally and in other Florida counties as they develop the master plan.
“As Orange County continues to grow, it’s really important that we plan for trees, both in new development and also in our existing development, how to protect and maintain the trees that we have,” Perry said.
Orange County has already been planting trees at Great Oaks Village as part of its countywide effort to expand the urban canopy.
Perry said the plan will consider the different needs of communities across the county.
“There’s urbanized areas, suburban areas, and then our rural areas. So, what the plan is going to do is look at each of those unique communities and see where there’s opportunities to add additional trees,” she said.
The plan will ultimately guide how Orange County protects existing trees and adds new ones as development continues.
County leaders are now seeking public input. A public meeting on the Urban Forest Master Plan is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Orange County Innovation Center.
Spectrum News: Full Article here: Orange County launches plan to expand tree canopy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As Central Florida continues to grow, Orange County is taking steps to protect and expand its tree canopy.
The county is launching its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan — a long-term effort focused on protecting existing trees and adding more green space over the next two decades.
About 35% of Orange County is currently covered by trees, and officials want to increase that to 48% by 2050.
Planners say more trees can help reduce hot surface temperatures, improve air quality, manage stormwater and increase economic value in unincorporated areas.
“They provide shade, manage stormwater, cleaner air and water. And it’s important that we plan for them like we do other types of infrastructure here in Orange County,” said Brooke Perry, chief planner with the county’s Zoning Division.
County planners have been studying approaches used locally and in other Florida counties as they develop the master plan.
“As Orange County continues to grow, it’s really important that we plan for trees, both in new development and also in our existing development, how to protect and maintain the trees that we have,” Perry said.
Orange County has already been planting trees at Great Oaks Village as part of its countywide effort to expand the urban canopy.
Perry said the plan will consider the different needs of communities across the county.
“There’s urbanized areas, suburban areas, and then our rural areas. So, what the plan is going to do is look at each of those unique communities and see where there’s opportunities to add additional trees,” she said.
The plan will ultimately guide how Orange County protects existing trees and adds new ones as development continues.
County leaders are now seeking public input. A public meeting on the Urban Forest Master Plan is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Orange County Innovation Center.