Creating and supporting community forest projects to build healthier and more resilient communities.
The Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) is partnering with the Virginia Department of Forestry to preserve, strengthen, and expand the urban forests of Old Dominion communities. The Virginia Community Forest Revitalization Program provides technical assistance to Virginia localities looking to create and support long-term, sustained community forestry projects and programs for the benefit of community health, resiliency, and equity.
Communities are selected through a competitive application process, based on demonstrated need and commitment to their urban forest. Participating localities receive direct technical assistance to assess, plan for, and manage their urban forests. Through the workshop series, this program guides localities through an analysis of the community’s current tree canopy cover followed by the development of tree canopy plans and implementation of strategies.
While this specific program launched in 2023, GIC has supported Virginia communities for many years through tree canopy mapping, green infrastructure planning, and ordinance development.
How We Support
This program goes beyond planting trees. Through a two-phase approach, GIC helps communities build long-term capacity for urban forest stewardship. Participating localities form advisory groups, receive guidance on best practices in urban forest management, strengthen local leadership and technical knowledge, and develop an official plan to guide the future of their community forest.
What We Deliver
At the Green Infrastructure Center (GIC), we use data to drive decisions that make communities greener, healthier, and more resilient. Each state-based team is supported by a technical team of landscape architects, GIS analysts, natural resource managers, and planners based at GIC’s Charlottesville, Virginia headquarters. Our team combines GIS mapping with on-the-ground expertise and lived experience to identify the most effective places to plant trees. These are sites that deliver the greatest environmental and social benefits. By analyzing spatial data on land cover, urban heat, and groundwater infiltration, we help communities understand where trees are most needed and where they can make the most significant impact.
Through advanced GIS modeling, we assess existing canopy coverage, potential planting areas, and the ecosystem services trees provide, from stormwater management and air quality improvements to urban cooling. This data-driven approach ensures that every tree planted contributes strategically to community well-being, flood reduction, heat abatement, and creating more equitable access to green spaces.
Our work results in strategic tree canopy plans complete with detailed maps, data visualizations, and actionable goals. These plans empower communities, especially those historically underserved, to make informed decisions about where and how to grow their urban forests. By combining mapping, modeling, and local engagement, GIC helps cities and towns build greener infrastructure that benefits both people and the planet.
Communities Served
Petersburg, Virginia
The City of Petersburg aims to maintain its 43% tree canopy coverage over the next 20 years. Through a community-led tree planting campaign, a newly appointed city arborist, and adoption of a new tree ordinance, Petersburg is ensuring that investments in city trees pay dividends by reducing stormwater runoff, improving air and water quality, lowering energy bills, raising property values, and enhancing its natural beauty long into the future.
Status: Phase II in progress | View Report
Hopewell, Virginia
The City of Hopewell seeks to maintain a no-net-loss of tree canopy coverage over the next 10 years. This program helps Hopewell plan for a healthier future and implement Comprehensive Plan goals related to community health and beautification.
Status: Phase II Completed | View Report
Danville, Virginia
The City of Danville is committed to maintaining 50% tree canopy coverage citywide over the next 10 years through implementing Grow in Danville’s three objectives: Plan, Plant, and Preserve. Together, these efforts support a healthier and greener community for generations to come.
Status: Phase II in Progress
Martinsville, Virginia
The City of Martinsville’s newly established Tree Board is working to increase the city’s total tree canopy cover from 55% to 56% through strategic planning and partnerships with local groups.
Status: Phase II in Progress
Lynchburg, Virginia
The City of Lynchburg is currently working with the Green Infrastructure Center to determine its tree canopy goal. The City is committed to maintaining, growing, and establishing an urban forest that provides benefits to all Lynchburg residents and visitors.
Status: Phase I in Progress
Newport News, Virginia
The City of Newport News is collaborating with GIC to determine its tree canopy goals and develop strategies for protecting and expanding its urban forest equitably.
Status: Phase I in Progress
Marion, Virginia
The Town of Marion is working with GIC to assess existing canopy conditions and establish goals to preserve and strengthen its community forest.
Status: Phase I in Progress
News and Highlights
Hopewell launches program to increase it’s urban tree canopy
Hopewell is partnering with the Green Infrastructure Center to identify priority planting areas.
Danville among first cities in Virginia to launch urban forestry campaign
Danville is part of a two-year project to increase and maintain its tree canopy, while also working to continue development and growth.
Martinsville City Council to talk about trees at Tuesday meeting
The city’s tree board has partnered with Green Infrastructure, an environmental advocacy group, to advocate for new growth and study the state of Martinsville’s greenery.
Meet the Virginia Team
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| Jessica Huang Community Forest Planner |
Kendall Topping Community Forester |
Want to Work With Us?
This program was funded by a federal grant from the Inflation Reduction Act to the USDA Forest Service and the state. GIC frequently partners with states and local governments to write grant proposals. GIC is also able to work on a fee-for-service basis as a consultant to governments, land trusts and conservation organizations.
Are you interested in growing your community’s tree canopy? We’d love to help. Connect with us to see how your community can get started!