Our Urban Forestry Comprehensive Plan builds on decades of community commitment and collaboration, strengthened by the launch of Rooted Together. This initiative began in 2025 when Parks and Recreation received a Virginia Department of Forestry grant to develop a long-term urban canopy strategy. The grant is stewarded by the Charlottesville-based Green Infrastructure Center, which is guiding a two-year planning process alongside an advisory committee made up of multiple city departments, community organizations, and residents. Public input is a key component of this work, ensuring the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Newport News.

The plan outlines a coordinated, decade-long strategy to expand and care for the city’s tree canopy. Major initiatives include unifying citywide efforts under the Rooted Together brand, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration, and creating new resources such as a city tree stewards program, an urban forestry website hub, and a future Urban Wood Program. Improving tree health is a central focus, with actions such as formalizing tree care

standards, establishing a plant health care program, and completing a comprehensive tree inventory. Public education and engagement also play a major role, with planned workshops, story maps, pop-up arboretums, and storm-readiness campaigns.

Equity-focused canopy growth remains a priority, with targeted replanting and tree-giveaway efforts in the Southeast Community, as well as long-term improvements to green infrastructure in street design. Together, these efforts form a community-driven roadmap to grow, maintain, and evolve Newport News’ urban forest for generations.

This plan is still in development, and community participation is essential. As Rooted Together continues to take shape, residents are encouraged to stay engaged, share feedback, and explore opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of our urban canopy. Find out how to get involved here