Eastern Region Urban Connections Program

Our Mission

Urban Connections is based on a simple idea:  reaching out to urban communities and building alliances that compliment the Forest Service mission statement of “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” We grow and foster mutual relationships that connect urban residents and the Forest Service through the use and conservation of forests and green spaces.

Through coordination with the Forest Service, State agencies, Federal agencies, and non-government agencies Urban Connections builds strong relationships with the cities in which it serves. The Forest Service has a long history of working with people who live in close proximity to national forests.  While this is of great value, Urban Connections seeks to expand this involvement to citizens who live in major metropolitan areas. 

Communities We Serve

The Eastern Region has nine of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, making it uniquely positioned to connect with diverse and underserved citizens. The Eastern Region Urban Connections Program currently works within the communities of

• Boston
• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Milwaukee
• Chicago
• Detroit

Program Highlights

Over the years, Urban Connections has supported an array of programming aimed at promoting stewardship, encouraging involvement with nature, and even educating youth about careers in the Forest Service. 

• Attending parter events like Get Outdoors Day at Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village
• “Skins and Skulls” Program for Participants at Boston Children’s Hospital
• Interactive Water Quality Lesson by the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe. 

Connect With Us

The Urban Connections team is always open to new and diverse partnerships to expand programming. If you or your organization is interested in working with Urban Connections to bring forest awareness to your community, reach out to your nearest Urban Connections program specialist!