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In November 1989 “Arizona Releaf” was formed as part of a national program established by the American Forestry Association (AFA) with the goal of planting 100 million trees in the United States. Arizona Releaf focused on promoting the benefits of planting trees appropriate to the rural and urban environmental settings and sustainable maintenance of those tree species. |
Arizona Releaf partnered with Arizona Clean & Beautiful and the Arizona State Land Dept. Extensive tree plantings were done throughout the state in conjunction with Trees for Tucson, Forestry for Pheonix, Tucson clean and beautiful and county Releaf organizations. In 1990 President Bush's "America the Beautiful", program significantly increased support for urban and community forestry in America. Prompted by this, a decision was made by the Arizona Global ReLeaf to develop an Urban Forestry Council to receive funding and help coordinate all urban forestry programs in Arizona. |
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URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY |
Discussions began on January 24, 1991, to create the Council. The concept for the Council was: 1. To develop the most broad-based coalition with equal representation from individuals, organizations, and institutions concerned with urban and community forestry.
2. To develop a consensus on urban forestry policy and develop a statewide plan. 3. To encourage, organize, and coordinate all statewide urban forestry programs. 4. To facilitate information exchange in urban forestry. 5. To provide focal point for political support for urban forestry programs. 6. To develop criteria for and evaluate recommendations for grants, cost share proposals, pilot and demonstration projects and other funding sources. A vote was taken, and a formal Council was approved. The name of the organization was "Arizona Forestry Council." The Arizona Forestry council received 501(c)3 nonprofit status in September 1993. |
MISSION CLARITY |
 | On March 26, 1996, the name of the Council was changed to the Arizona Community Tree Council, Inc. to better define the goals and mission of the Council. |
On May 17, 2025, the Arizona Community Tree Council chose to update their near 30-year-old logo and mission to better reflect the organizations development over the years and its ongoing aspirations to serve Arizona and its urban and community forests. |
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Our MissionThe Arizona Community Tree Council is dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering professionals and communities to cultivate resilient trees for a healthier, greener Arizona for all. |
