Keynotes at the Partners in Community Forestry Conference

In Chicago, I delivered two dynamic keynotes—opening the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) Conference and closing the Partners in Community Forestry Conference by the Arbor Day Foundation.

At the UCFS Conference, I gave an interactive keynote exploring how urban nature can address the loneliness epidemic through innovative technology. I introduced the “Internet of Nature” and engaged the audience in a live vote to choose ideas they could envision for their own communities—from a mobile augmented reality game to connect with local trees, to "Text-a-Tree" campaigns and geolocated sound-based talking trees. By blending playfulness, technology, and ecology, I highlighted how nature can reconnect people to their cities and each other.

For the Partners Conference closing keynote, I shared insights from my book THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES, spotlighting the innovators and technologies transforming urban forestry. From AI-powered mapping to real-world case studies, I emphasized a “nature first, technology second” approach to tackle climate change, enhance biodiversity, and deepen people’s bond with urban nature.

The week was a celebration of community and connection. From sold-out book signings and over 130 books shared to countless meaningful conversations, I was inspired by the dedication of urban foresters—visionaries who are reshaping cities into healthier, greener, and more connected places for all.