With more than 1,700,000 volunteer hours since 2005 and 2,000 events each year. For 20 years, the Green City Partnership has brought people together to care for our urban forests — and it all began with one bold idea in Seattle.

From One Bold Idea to a Regional Network

In the early 2000s, Seattle’s forested parklands were facing a crisis. Large swaths of urban forest were overrun with invasive plants like English ivy and Himalayan blackberry, while many of the mature trees were nearing the end of their natural lifespans. Without intervention, the next generation of trees—and the many benefits they provide—would be lost.

In 2004, Forterra (then Cascade Land Conservancy) and the City of Seattle recognized the opportunity to reverse this trend through a bold, long-term approach. Together, they launched the Green Seattle Partnership, a public–private effort guided by a 20-year strategic plan to restore and maintain 2,500 acres of the city’s forested parklands. The plan paired ecological restoration with deep community engagement, ensuring that volunteers, nonprofits, businesses, and city agencies worked side-by-side to heal urban forests.

The success of the Green Seattle Partnership inspired other Puget Sound communities to adopt and adapt the model. Forterra began partnering with additional cities—starting with Tacoma, Kirkland, and Redmond. Over time, this network grew into the Green City Partnership: 14 cities and one county, all committed to restoring and caring for forested parks and natural areas through a shared framework, each bringing their energy, creativity, and commitment to restoration.

While Forterra sparked and supported the day-to-day management of the Green City programs, over the last few years, that work has shifted to the cities. Forterra continues to be proud to play a supporting role in the Green Cities Network, which brings cities together to share resources.

Why Urban Forests Matter

Urban forests aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential for thriving communities. They clean our air and water, reduce flooding, cool our neighborhoods, and offer places for connection, reflection, and healing.

Twenty years on, the challenge hasn’t disappeared – some forests are still struggling, choked by invasive plants and missing the next generation of trees. Rather than watching these green spaces disappear, communities across Puget Sound continue to roll up their sleeves, and the results inspire.

The goals of the Green City Partnership are to:

• Improve the quality of life, connections to nature, and enhance forest benefits in cities by restoring our forested parks and natural areas.
• Galvanize an informed and active community.
• Ensure long-term sustainable funding and community support.

Every effort — from pulling ivy to planting trees — contributes to thriving forests and stronger communities.

By the Numbers: 20 Years of Impact

Because of the incredible work of all the Green Cities, collectively we’ve accomplished the following:

• Enrolled 4,300+ acres in restoration.
• Planted 1,865,826+ trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
• Logged 1,724,939+ volunteer hours.
• Trained and supported countless forest stewards.
• Maintained 265+ parks with active restoration.
• Held 40,559+ local events.
• Forterra-led or assisted ~826 events.

Each ivy pulled, tree planted, and volunteer welcomed adds up to something big — a growing regional network of parks that are thriving, and people who are proud to care for them.

What’s Next: Green City Days and Forterra Friday

We’re not done — and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.

• Find your local Green City Partnership  — Join your local city for Green City Days, or a local restoration event. It’s a chance for new and returning community members to connect with each other, local parks, and take part in this incredible movement.
• Sign up for our Forterra Friday at Duwamish Hill Preserve — Want to take part in fun, hands-on restoration work? We’ll bring the tools and gloves – and you bring the energy!.
• Sign up for our Forterra newsletter — Get the latest updates on Forterra’s projects, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now to stay informed and connected with Forterra’s mission to conserve and care for wild and working lands, and support equitable, green and prosperous communities.

Thank You for 20 Years!

This milestone belongs to all of the city partners, community groups, nonprofits, stewards, and volunteers who have come together to make this possible. Together, we’ve built more than a program; we’ve built a network of places that are healing and people who are connected by purpose and care. Here’s 20 more years of growing community, forest by forest, city by city.