By Laura Buntrock, DNR Urban Forestry Partnership & Policy Specialist
Laura.Buntrock@wisconsin.gov or 608-294-0253

The online portal for Tree City USA is now open, with applications due Dec. 31. If you’re new to TCUSA, you can learn more about the program on the Arbor Day Foundation website or from your DNR urban forestry coordinator.

There were 188 Wisconsin communities that obtained TCUSA status for the 2025 recognition year, which was awarded last spring. The highest number we achieved was 201 certified communities in 2020 and 2021. We need you to help us set a new record for 2026!

If your community has been a TCUSA for at least one year, you may want to see if it’s eligible for a Growth Award. The Growth Award is presented by ADF to participating TCUSA communities that demonstrate higher levels of tree care and community engagement during the calendar year. Municipalities need to earn at least 10 points in any of the following five categories: Building the Team, Measuring Trees & Forests, Planning the Work, Performing the Work and The Community Framework.

Contact the DNR urban forestry coordinator serving your area for more information about TCUSA, Growth Awards and the following ADF recognition programs open to Wisconsin communities and organizations: Tree Line USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, Tree Campus K-12, Tree Campus Healthcare and Tree Cities of the World.