At the urging of the State Forester a small group of citizens from all walks of  life formed the Rhode Island Urban and Community Forestry Council (RIUCFC)  in 1991.Within two short years this working group had developed a mission statement, organizational by-laws and Board of Directors structure for administering the council.

Our stated mission, unchanged to this day, is to create healthy urban and community forests, which underpin the state’s verdant ecological tapestry, to support its vibrant economy, and to enrich the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

The RIUCFC held the first Conference on Urban and Community Forestry in Rhode Island in 1993, now an annual event attracting hundreds of attendees. By early 1994, it applied for and was granted non-profit 501(c)3 status by the Internal Revenue Service. The following year the Board unanimously voted to adopt the current organizational logo and to change the organization’s name to the Rhode Island Tree Council (a.k.a. RITree ).

Since 1995, RITree has implemented numerous programs and activities for enhancing the public’s awareness for the benefits and values of trees. We are a networking organization and since our infancy have partnered with other environmental and local groups, the RIDEM-Division of Forest Environment, and the United States Forest Service for meeting this challenge.

Today, RITree is a non-profit, tax-exempt group dedicated to improving Rhode Island’s tree resources.It is composed of members, professional consultants and volunteers.Volunteers effectively administer RITree serving on its Boards of Directors, Advisors, and Trustees. Membership is open to all, and everyone is invited to join.

Download the All About the Rhode Island Tree Council Brochure