Community Driven Beautification and Resilience
Learn about the Jefferson Parish Urban Forest Master Plan, find out how you can get involved, and get updates about the plan’s progress.
Our Tree Vision
Growing Your Future
The Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful is partnered with Dana Brown & Associates, Inc. and Jefferson Parish to create the Jefferson Parish Urban Forest Master Plan, a strategic plan designed to enhance, protect, and expand Jefferson Parish’s tree canopy by:
-
mapping and analyzing the existing tree canopy
-
understanding and navigating the barriers to planting trees on private property
-
recommending policies and practices for sustainable tree planting and maintenance
-
promoting policies that encourage the preservation and growth of the parish’s urban forest on both public and private land
-
identifying opportunities for green infrastructure, education, and demonstration projects throughout the parish
The goals of the Jefferson Parish Urban Forest Master Plan are to:
-
increase overall canopy coverage from 29% to 40%
-
raise awareness about the many benefits and value of urban trees
-
protect, preserve, and enhance the existing tree canopy on both public and private land
-
understand existing canopy coverage gaps and find areas in need of more trees, especially in low-income neighborhoods
-
select sites for installing trees on public land
-
develop partnerships between Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful and other like-minded community organizations
-
guide sustainable practices for tree species selection, planting, maintenance, and green infrastructure design
-
plan for the long-term management and maintenance of trees on public property
Jefferson Parish has lost more than 1,000 trees to storms over the past 20 years. Even more trees, a number not measurable, have been lost to land development, roadway widening, and utility construction. This plan seeks to replace those lost trees and introduce more to benefit parish residents.
The benefits of a healthy urban canopy include:
-
absorption of carbon dioxide
-
cleaner air and water
-
reduced flooding and noise
-
lower temperatures and energy consumption
-
better wildlife habitat and increased urban biodiversity
-
beautiful streets and neighborhoods
-
increased property value
-
improved student academic performances
-
improved mental health and strengthened immune system
-
improved physical health and well-being of the community the trees are in
The Value of Urban Trees
Sources: US EPA, USDA, US Forest Service, The National Institutes of Health
Community Workshops
Get Involved at Upcoming Events
The East Bank workshop will be held on August 13th, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at LaFreniere Park in the Foundation Room.
The West Bank workshop will be held on August 20th, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00pm at the Woodmere Playground in room 101.
Join Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful for an informative one-day workshop focused on the care and preservation of urban tree canopies. This event is FREE for professionals including arborists, architects, engineers, landscape architects, home builders, and planners. Don't forget to register by September 30, 2025!
Tree Giveaways
Save the Date - November 15, 2025
Stay tuned for more details.
Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful is partnering with Jefferson Parish to give away 400 free trees to Jefferson Parish residents. Details coming soon! For more information on sponsorship opportunities for the Tree Giveaway, please contact friendsofjeffersonthebeautiful@gmail.com.
Project Updates
Next Steps in the Urban Forest Master Plan Process
-
Identify barriers to planting trees on private properties
-
Raise public awareness about the benefits of urban trees
-
Identify and prepare plans for tree plantings
We Want Your Input!
We'd love to hear your thoughts on urban trees in your neighborhoods! Please share your experiences, whether it's about the reasons you haven't planted trees or specific areas that need maintenance. Your insights are valuable in helping us understand how we can improve our urban landscapes together! Please include your address or neighborhood in the message.