We're making moves: The Columbus Tree Coalition First Quarterly Meeting
Building on the momentum of our initial October 2025 gathering, Green Columbus continues to lead the implementation of the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) recommendations.
Our first major milestone? The formal creation of the Columbus Tree Coalition (CTC).
On February 12, 2026, we hosted our first official meeting! Over 30 environmental advocates gathered at Whetstone Library—and virtually—to review the UFMP and jumpstart the plan's immediate actions.
Highlights from the Meeting:
Expert Guidance: Rachel Comte, UFMP Consultant and Co-founder of Urban Canopy Works, shared a presentation on the power of a unified voice for local tree advocacy.
OSU Collaboration: We reviewed findings from the Columbus Tree Coalition Plan Capstone project, a partnership with The Ohio State University (CFAES). This project supports Green Columbus in building a structure that ensures equitable canopy expansion across our city.
A Shared Path Forward: Coalition members unanimously agreed to operate under the Green Columbus umbrella. This allows us to better coordinate with private landowners and local organizations on critical issues like tree preservation, public tree codes, and canopy replacement in underserved areas.
What’s Next? Our first order of business is drafting the Coalition Charter. This is a vital organizational step toward unifying tree-related projects and sustainably creating healthy and safe communities across Central Ohio.
Meet the Coalition
We are proud to stand alongside these dedicated member organizations:
Community & Civic Groups: Forest Park Civic Association, Mideast Area Commission, United Schools Community, Vassor Village Civic Assoc., Southern Orchards Civic Association, Sunset Park – Franklinton.
Environmental & Advocacy: The Terra Task, B.R.E.A.D., Columbus ArborFest, FLOW, SWAG, FACT, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation, Connecting Community Corridor for People Pollinators and the Planet (CCC for PPP).
Institutional & Government: City of Columbus (Sustainable Columbus), ODNR Division of Forestry, OSU-SENR, Sustainable Smiles Club (OSU College of Dentistry), Ohio State (ESGP).
Business & Media: CME Federal Credit Union, Columbus Free Press, WGRN 91.9FM, Gensler, Transit Columbus, CarbonEcology Consulting LLC, Sunny Glen Garden, ADB Safegate, First Unitarian Universalist Church.
Don’t see your organization here? We are growing, and we need your voice. Join the Coalition today to help create a greener Columbus for future generations.
