About Vibrant Cities Lab

Our Purpose

Launched in 2017 by The U.S. Forest Service, American Forests and the National Association of Regional Councils, Vibrant cities put people first to cultivate thriving trees and equitable urban forests that boost public health, safety, and sustainability. 

Vibrant Cities Lab is designed to help professionals, planners, policymakers and advocates understand how healthy tree canopy can enrich their own community and help guide them as they build an effective and thriving urban forestry program.

Our Partnership

The Forest Service’s National Urban Forest Technology & Science Delivery Team comprises urban forestry program staff from across FS regions. These experts collaborate to deliver quality urban natural resources science, technology, and information to improve the long-term sustainability of urban ecosystems. The team’s mission is to help inform environmental stewardship and promote policies and programs that sustain urban forests and green space for wildlife and people.

American Forests creates healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building.

Vibrant Cities Lab has a new look, new resources and new ways to get involved in greening your city. We’re introducing several new digital resources including a Cool Corridors Guide, Urban Forestry Roadmap and Forest Health information that will help urban foresters and related professionals build thriving programs for their communities. 

On December 31, 2025, old.vibrantcitieslab.com (note the new URL) will close. Make sure you download any resources or action guides you don’t want to miss.

Get involved with us by sending your feedback on the new website or sharing your best urban forestry success stories with us at info@vibrantcitieslab.org.