Care for your woods

2026 Urban Forestry Grants Announced

Posted on by janness

By Nicolle R. Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grants Manager; Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

Beginning July 1, 2025, cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in –or conducting their projects in – Wisconsin can apply for a regular or startup 2026 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry grant. The total 2026 available funding is $559,680, with a possible release of $139,920 of catastrophic storm reserve to fund a second round in March 2026. Continue reading “2026 Urban Forestry Grants Announced” →

Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees

Posted on by janness

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator; Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

With recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property. Continue reading “Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees” →

Take Action On Invasive Species This Month

Posted on by akabelowsky
Photo showing volunteers smiling while they spend a busy day pulling garlic mustard from a Wisconsin forested area.

Volunteers smile while they spend a busy day pulling garlic mustard from a Wisconsin forested area. Volunteers provide thousands of hours of annual help in the fight against invasive plant species. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Mackenzie Manicki, Wisconsin DNR Invasive Plants Specialist
Mackenzie.Manicki@wisconsin.gov or 608-206-4561

June is Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. This tradition of spreading awareness and taking action began back in 2005.

Twenty years ago, the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council collaborated with partners such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin (IPAW) to hold the first Invasive Species Action Awards, aimed at recognizing and celebrating professional or volunteer groups and individuals that exemplify what it means to make an impact on invasive species.

Continue reading “Take Action On Invasive Species This Month” →

Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Wisconsin DNR

With 145 invasive plants regulated under Wisconsin’s Invasive Species Rule NR40, it can be challenging to identify some of these plants while out in the woods.

The task can be further complicated by the presence of native lookalikes – plants that have a similar appearance to harmful invasive species but are actually native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.

Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know” →

SilviCast Digs Into The Buckthorn Battle

Posted on by akabelowsky
The logo for the Silvicast, a podcast hosted by Wisconsin DNR silviculturists Greg Edge and Brad Hutnik and produced by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Wisconsin Forestry Center.

The logo for the Silvicast, a podcast hosted by Wisconsin DNR silviculturists Greg Edge and Brad Hutnik and produced by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Forestry Center. / Graphic Credit: UW-Stevens Point

By Art Kabelowsky, Wisconsin DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

They talked about pulling it, smothering it, using herbicide on it, making turkey calls and making curtain rods from it.

They even wondered if they should just “kill it with fire.”

But it seems Midwestern foresters’ never-ending battle against buckthorn requires a brainier approach.

Continue reading “SilviCast Digs Into The Buckthorn Battle” →

DNR’s Hillstrom To Discuss Invasive Species

Posted on by akabelowsky
A photo of Michael Hillstrom, invasive forest pest coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team.

Michael Hillstrom, invasive forest pest coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

Michael Hillstrom, Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will present a public talk on invasive species and forest health on Sunday, June 22.

Hillstrom’s talk will be part of a two-hour presentation, running from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Kegonsa State Park, 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton. It is open to the public.

The event is one of several statewide gatherings organized by the DNR as part of Invasive Species Awareness Weekend.

Save The Date: Upcoming Conferences

Posted on by janness

Partners in Community Forestry Conference: Nov. 19-20, 2025
This gathering unites passionate individuals, communities, organizations and leaders to explore innovative solutions, share insights and collaborate on the future of urban forestry. Join leaders across the industry to focus on strengthening the bonds between people and trees, fostering sustainable practices and creating green, thriving urban landscapes.

Keep an eye on the website or sign up for emails for more information.

 

WAA Summer Conference: July 31, 2025
Location: Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI
Watch the WAA website for more information and registration. Continue reading “Save The Date: Upcoming Conferences” →

Rotstop® C No Longer Available In North America

Posted on by akabelowsky
Photo of a worker manually applying fungicide, imbued with blue dye, to a freshly cut tree stump to fight the spread of fungal diseases such as Heterobasidion root disease.

A worker manually applies fungicide, imbued with blue dye, to a freshly cut tree stump to fight the spread of fungal diseases such as Heterobasidion root disease. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Kyoko Scanlon, DNR Forest Pathologist, Fitchburg
Kyoko.Scanlon@wisconsin.gov

The manufacturer, Lallemand Plant Care, recently decided to remove Rotstop® C fungicide from the North American market.

As a result, the product is no longer available for purchase in North America. If you already have the product and have stored it in an appropriate space, you may still use it as a preventative treatment for Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) as long as the expiration date has not arrived.

Continue reading “Rotstop® C No Longer Available In North America” →

Campers Reminded: Don’t Move Firewood

Posted on by akabelowsky
A stock photo of a family roasting marshmallows over a campfire.

Going camping? It’s important to remember not to move firewood. Instead, buy it within 10 miles of where you will use it. This will help to prevent the spread of invasive pests. / Photo Credit: Istockphoto.com

By Wisconsin DNR

Camping season is about to enter full swing, and campfires are a Wisconsin summer staple.

That makes this a good time for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remind the public of the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s forests and trees by not transporting firewood long distances.

Even after a tree has died, firewood can carry pests or diseases — on its surface or inside the log —  which can attack or infect other trees. To help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases, always get your firewood near where you will use it.

Continue reading “Campers Reminded: Don’t Move Firewood” →

DNR Offers Two Knotweed Fact Sheets

Posted on by akabelowsky
A roadside photo showing how quickly species in the knotweed complex can grow and create large infestations.

Species in the knotweed complex grow very quickly, causing large infestations on roadsides like this one. / Photo Credit: Randy Westbrooks, Invasive Plant Control, Inc., Bugwood.org

By Wisconsin DNR

With the scourge of knotweed about to gear up for another growing season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering information.

The DNR has created two fact sheets to instruct general and urban landowners on the best control methods for the fast-growing invasive plant.

Continue reading “DNR Offers Two Knotweed Fact Sheets” →