2026 4th Regional Urban Forestry Conference

Course Information

This conference will connect research, practice, and community action — offering attendees a comprehensive look at how urban forests support ecological health, climate resilience, and human well-being.

Thursday April 9th: 8:00 am-4:00 pm

8:00- 8:30 am: Registration/ Breakfast /Welcome (Opening remarks start at 8:20)

8:30 - 9:00 am: From the Soil to the Sky: Data, Partnerships, and the Future of Our Urban Canopy - Jaci Randel (Executive Director, Bexar Branches Alliance) will open the conference with a regional urban forestry update, update from the Texas A&M Forest Service Urban Forestry Congress, sharing insights on canopy trends, equity-driven tree initiatives, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of our region’s urban forest.

9:00 - 10:00 am: Distinguishing Soil Health from Root Health - Dr. Stephanie Adams (Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service) clarifies the critical difference between soil health and tree root health—two concepts that are often mistakenly treated as the same. While soil conditions play an important role in tree performance, healthy soil metrics do not guarantee healthy roots. This session explores how root pathogens and other stressors can persist even in well-managed soils, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments. Attendees will learn field-based techniques for assessing root health, strategies for ruling out soil limitations as the primary cause of decline, and integrated pest management approaches for addressing root disease. The presentation also sets realistic expectations for tree recovery based on site conditions, pathogen pressure, and overall tree health.

10:00 - 10:15 am Break

10:15 - 11:15 am: Dr. David Appel (Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University) will draw on his Ph.D. level research in water relations, tree stress, and tree health to explore how trees respond to environmental pressures, with a strong emphasis on current research and climate change. His presentation will examine how shifting temperature and moisture patterns influence tree physiology and stress responses, and what that means for long-term tree health. Attendees will gain practical insight into applying research-based strategies to better maintain resilient, healthy trees under changing climate conditions.

11:15 - 12:00 pm: Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives - Melanie Villegas-Portillo (Conservation Education State Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service) will discuss forest health and how conservation and connection to nature support healthier communities. She will also lead a 30-minute Forest Bathing session during the lunch break, offering attendees a restorative, guided experience connecting health and nature.

12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (provided)

Forest Bathing Session: 12:15 - 12:45

1:00 - 1:45 pm: Sam Lawson (Natural Areas Conservancy, Forests in Cities Network) will discuss the Forests in Cities Network, showcasing how cities across the country are collaborating to protect and expand urban forests in natural areas through shared strategies and data-driven approaches.

1:45 - 2:30 pm: Pam Ball (Executive Director, Headwaters Sanctuary) will share insights into preservation efforts at Headwaters Sanctuary, highlighting land stewardship, habitat protection, and canopy restoration.

2:30- 2:45 pm: Break

2:45 - 3:15 pm: Reforesting the City: Growing a Miyawaki-Style Urban Forestry Program in San Antonio - Grace Carlin (Director, Urban Land & Water, Green Spaces Alliance) will introduce the Miyawaki Forest concept and discuss the two Miyawaki forests Green Spaces Alliance has installed in San Antonio, highlighting rapid-growth urban forests as a tool for climate resilience and biodiversity.

3:15 - 3:50: Panel Discussion

3:50 - 4:00 pm: Questions, CEU's, Wrap-up

ISA Continuing education units available:

6 CEUs

Course Pricing

General Admission: $80.00 USD

Student: $50.00 USD

Bexar Branches Alliance

In collaboration with the Alamo Forest Partnership, Bexar Branches Alliance is excited to announce the 4th Annual Regional Urban Forestry Conference. Our primary objective for this event is to unite individuals from across Bexar County to engage in discussions regarding the present condition and the future prospects of our urban forest. The proceeds generated from this conference will go toward supporting Bexar Branches Alliance Programming initiatives, which encompass native tree planting projects, tree maintenance and resilience initiatives, as well as educational programs aimed at connecting our community with our urban forest.

Location Information

Location Name
Urban Ecology Center - Hardberger Park
Address
8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX, 78231 US
Directions
Google, Bing, MapQuest

Speakers

Jaci Randel Executive Director, Bexar Branches Alliance

Jaci has over 20 years of experience in business management and operations. She leads the development and execution of Bexar Branches Alliance’s strategy and oversees engagement with community groups and government agencies. She previously served on the board of an environmental nonprofit based in Norfolk, VA, and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Tamox Talom Food Forest.

Dr. Stephanie Adams Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Dr. Stephanie Adams is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology at Texas A&M University. Adams has a background in diagnosing and managing complex tree health issues, particularly with rare and endangered plants. Adams is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture and a board-certified master arborist. Her work focuses on addressing plant health challenges in Texas and collaborating with other experts in the field.

Dr. David Appel Professor Emeritus, TAMU

Dr. Appel is a professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology (PLPM) at Texas A&M University. Since coming to Texas A&M in 1981, his research program has focused on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of forest and shade trees, with an emphasis on the devastating oak wilt epidemic in central Texas.

Grace Carlin

Grace is a sustainability and conservation professional with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Trinity University and a Masters of the Environment (Sustainability, Planning, & Management specialization) from the University of Colorado Boulder. Grace has unique experience collaborating with communities to engage them with the outdoors. A seventh-generation Texan and a lifelong San Antonian, Grace is enthusiastic about giving back to her hometown by helping its vibrant communities grow positive relationships with the environment.

Pam Ball Executive Director, Headwaters Sanctuary

Originally from Greenfield, a small town in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts Pam Ball spent over 25 years in the private-sector product development and direct to consumer management field. She is a certified Texas Master Naturalist and Board member Alamo Area Master Naturalist Chapter.

Sam Lawson Natural Areas Conservancy, Forests in Cities Network

Sam works with the Forests in Cities network, NAC’s national initiative to connect professionals who care for urban natural areas. Previously, he conducted community engagement at New York City’s Department of Emergency Management. He holds a bachelor’s from Bennington College and a master’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University.

Melanie Villegas-Portillo Conservation Education State Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service

Melanie the Conservation Education State Coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service and a proud graduate of Texas A&M University - Gig 'em! My career has been driven by a passion for connecting people with nature. Through my roles as a veterinary technician, a zoo educator, and Park Ranger with the National Park Service, I've always tried to inspire a deeper appreciation for our wildlife and natural resources. My goal is to cultivate a love for nature that transforms into a strong desire to protect it for generations to come. In my current role, I get to continue doing this by inspiring individuals to become responsible stewards of our natural resources.

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Registration Information

Registration--General Admission ($80.00)
Registration--Student ($50.00)

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Environmental Nonprofit Organization partners can receive a 10% discount! Contact Jaci Randel for the coupon code.

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