Resilience and Forest Health

Remnants of the old Wye Oak, witness to our country's history
The Wye Oak was 460 years old when – weakened by decades of pests and diseases – it fell during a thunderstorm in 2002 on the eastern shore of Maryland. When it turned 50, Jamestown was established in nearby Virginia. The American Revolution started when this giant white oak was more than two centuries old, and the Civil War ended when the Wye Oak turned 323. Remnants of the Wye Oak are enshrined throughout the state of Maryland.
Why Worry about Forest Health

Urban trees, like people, endure a life cycle that passes from infancy all the way to maturity, through senescence and then death.

At each step, they attempt to grow through multiple threats. Trees will thrive in benign conditions because evolution has prepared them to resist old hazards. But when faced with new threats, trees often can’t adapt.

Doing nothing can be costly — not just in funds to remove trees, but in people’s lives as well.

Continue to the Forest Health section to learn more.

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.