From aging trees to a nonexistent workforce, many of Alabama’s urban forests are facing major challenges. Over the next five years, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Green Up Alabama program will address these issues to make environmental and economic enhancements to rural Alabama communities. Major components of the program include planting more than 350 trees, improving green spaces and training a skilled workforce to better manage forests in underserved communities.

“By planting trees, the project will help mitigate heat, reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality, creating healthier and more livable environments,” said Georgios Arseniou, an Alabama Extension urban forestry specialist. “The hands-on training in arboriculture and urban forestry will provide certifications that equip workers with the skills needed to secure higher-paying jobs and contribute to disaster preparedness.”

Engaged Communities
Alabama’s aging urban forests are points of concern for many towns and communities. Many of the trees in several urban areas were planted when the towns were first established. As trees age, they can become more susceptible to things like storm damage and internal decay. This makes them a potential safety concern that municipalities must manage. Beau Brodbeck, an Alabama Extension assistant director for field operations, has worked on urban forest projects for many years. He said municipalities often do not have the infrastructure to manage their forest spaces.

“Towns often have smaller budgets for planting trees, which we know will make their communities more livable and enjoyable,” Brodbeck said. “Also, these towns have smaller capacities to educate and train personnel on caring for municipal trees. Our program aims to help towns establish new trees for future generations and care for aging trees that are safety concerns today.”

Community engagement will be a big part of the program’s overall success. The Green Up Alabama team’s first step is to identify eligible communities. The program will direct its efforts toward disadvantaged communities. These are areas that have limited employment opportunities, high poverty rates and reduced resources for tree planting and maintenance.

“To determine these areas, we will collaborate with county Extension directors, who will serve as key liaisons between municipal leaders and the program team,” said Arseniou, also an assistant professor in the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. “Our goal is to encourage local communities to take ownership of these tree-planting projects, ensuring their long-term success and sustainability.”

Strengthened Workforces
To ensure this long-term success, a skilled workforce is crucial in these communities. Green Up Alabama will provide workforce trainings that support careers in arboriculture, urban forestry, landscaping and disaster response.

“Managing mature trees is very dangerous, as it requires using chain saws, working around power lines and often working aloft,” Brodbeck said. “We aim to increase workers’ knowledge of basic tree-care and, more importantly, safety.”

There will be several areas in which participants can receive a certificate of completion from the program. These include chain saw safety, electrical hazard and aerial lift operations, ground worker safety, rigging and basic tree care and maintenance. This training will help prepare participants for entry-level jobs that are in high demand across the state.

“This not only empowers residents with marketable skills and employment opportunities but also strengthens disaster preparedness by equipping workers with the knowledge to manage post-storm hazards,” Arseniou said.

More Information
Green Up Alabama is set to officially launch this summer. Workforce development training is planned for the fall, with the first tree plantings starting in January 2026.

“We welcome as many volunteers as possible to join us in this effort,” Arseniou said. “Community members will have the opportunity to participate in planting and caring for trees in their neighborhoods. We are especially eager to involve youth in these activities.”

As the team plans events, volunteer opportunities and more information will be available at GreenUpAlabama.org. For more information on urban forests, visit aces.edu.

Green Up Alabama is possible thanks to funding from the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.