ALLENTOWN, Pa. — City officials have announced a community meeting scheduled for early next month to collect residents’ input on the city’s urban forestry plan.

The meeting, slated for 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in City Council chambers on the first floor of City Hall, 35 Hamilton St., will be focused on discussing the city’s Urban Forestry Master Plan and gathering feedback, according to a Wednesday news release.

“This plan will guide how we grow and care for our trees to help cool our city, clean the air and support improved mental and physical health, while creating a healthier, more beautiful place to live.”

Allentown Sustainability Coordinator Veronika Vostinak

“Developing an Urban Forestry Master Plan will help identify the tools the city can use to strengthen our urban canopy across all neighborhoods,” city Sustainability Coordinator Veronika Vostinak said.

“This plan will guide how we grow and care for our trees to help cool our city, clean the air and support improved mental and physical health, while creating a healthier, more beautiful place to live.”

A community meeting, survey

The meeting will include representatives from the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, officials said.

A consulting team from Davey Resource Group will present information and host an interactive discussion.

Attendees can share ideas about planting, caring for and enjoying trees throughout the city.

“All residents are encouraged to take the survey, attend the meeting and help grow Allentown’s urban forests.”

Allentown officials

The Urban Forestry Master Plan will include conducting a comprehensive inventory of the city’s trees; creating a long-term vision for tree planting, care and canopy growth; and identifying specific policies, programs and projects to improve the urban forest.

A survey, aimed at collecting residents’ opinions on the plan will be available until mid-February, officials said. The survey was available as early as last month.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, according to the release. It’s anonymous and voluntary, and all questions are optional.

The responses will guide the plan and help shape future tree planting and care initiatives, officials said.

“All residents are encouraged to take the survey, attend the meeting and help grow Allentown’s urban forests,” officials said.

The city in 2024 was awarded nearly $1 million from American Forests, a funding partner for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, for a street tree inventory.

While the release of funding was uncertain because of federal funding freezes, a large chunk was approved to start the inventory last year.

For more information, go to the city’s website.