Preparing students for careers related to the planting, use and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the urban and suburban environment, UC Davis' fledgling urban forestry major is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States. "The urban forest is the 'forest' we all live in and, like our art and architecture, it tells us about who we are," says Greg McPherson, project leader of the urban forestry center. Students majoring in urban forestry study the biological and physical concepts and horticultural principles of plant production. They also study management of plants in landscape settings, and how plants and people interact in the urban environment. The 1-year-old undergraduate program grew out of the UC Davis-based Western Center for Urban Forestry Research, a collaborative effort between the university, the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service and private organizations. Celebrating construction of a new 4,000 square-foot research facility, the urban forestry center will host a dedication ceremony Friday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m. The facility is located adjacent to the environmental horticulture department on Old Davis Road. Displays and demonstrations related to urban forestry will be provided by local organizations.