The cabinets in your kitchen, your dining room table, floors in your office, and even the paper you write on are all products made from wood. Usually rural wood is used to make the products, but over the past several years a shift has been made, introducing the use of wood from urban areas to make these, and other, products. For example, urban wood has successfully been used in architecture, creating bowls, staircases, tables and now art. Continue reading “Urban wood used in local art exhibit”
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Introducing the Wisconsin Arborist Apprenticeship program
The State of Wisconsin is leading the way in the green industry by providing the nation’s first Arborist Apprenticeship Program, which will include plant health care as well as tree care. Currently, there are three private tree care companies who have signed on five apprentices who are learning and developing their skills under the direct guidance of certified and skilled arborists. More employers are needed to support the program and be willing to hire apprentices. Apprenticeship is a proven method in numerous industries and the benefits greatly outweigh the commitment incurred by employees of all sizes. It provides a structured training program for developing safe, skilled and productive employees and workforce. This program brings additional benefits: providing a career pathway for individuals to join, growing individuals within the industry, getting the arborist profession recognized as a skilled trade with the U.S. Department of Labor, and helping our private businesses and municipalities find and retain qualified employees. Continue reading “Introducing the Wisconsin Arborist Apprenticeship program”
Second round of Urban Forestry grants awarded
The DNR Urban Forestry Grant program awarded $86,185.66 to five Wisconsin communities for urban forestry projects during our 2017 second round of funding. In order to ensure a pool of catastrophic storm funds throughout the year, we have switched to awarding grants in two rounds, instead of awarding all of our funds in December. The communities who received grants in April include DeForest, Neillsville, Port Washington, Watertown, and Witting. Continue reading “Second round of Urban Forestry grants awarded”
Wisconsin Community Tree Management Institute
CTMI is a continuing education course specifically tailored to the needs of municipal parks, planning or public works employees who have tree related responsibilities, but do not have a strong background in urban forestry. This training is appropriate for those who manage or contract forestry work, review planting plans, issue permits, or inspect trees. The course focuses heavily on management, rather than the technical aspects of municipal forestry programs. Continue reading “Wisconsin Community Tree Management Institute”
Urban Forestry Consultant Directory – Annual Update
Last year, the format of the DNR’s Urban Forestry Consultants Directory was updated, creating two versions; one searchable by county served and the other, an abbreviated version with companies listed alphabetically. As the application period for the next round of Urban Forestry Grants is fast approaching, we are seeking updates and additions to the consultants directory. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Consultant Directory – Annual Update”
Urban training and events update
Please view our Urban Forestry Training and Events page. This webpage is constantly being updated, but we have recently added some events we would like to let you know about. Various levels of SAWW training will be offered at different locations in the coming months, be sure to pre-register. Additionally, Golden Sands RC&D Council is hosting a workshop on emerald ash borer management. Be sure to check out these and other trainings listed on our page.
For more information contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, at 608-267-2774.
Wisconsin Urban Wood signs Green Tier Charter
Twink Jan-McMahon and JD Smith signing the charter.
On a Friday in late April Wisconsin Urban Wood celebrated signing a Green Tier Charter. WUW is a network of independent business and nonprofit organizations that promotes the utilization of urban wood. The WUW Charter will provide increased value to Wisconsin by augmenting their current work and increasing collaboration. View the full press release.
New staff members
Recently the Urban Forestry Program has filled three positions: West Central Urban Forestry Coordinator, Urban Forestry Grant Specialist, Urban Forest Assessment Specialist. The team is looking forward to the value and expertise these individuals will bring.
Celebrate Arbor Day
In 1854, J. Sterling Morton, a prominent newspaper editor and publisher, moved from Detroit to the area that is now Nebraska. He and other pioneers noticed a lack of trees, which were needed to act as windbreaks to stabilize the soil and to give shade from the sun. Morton planted many trees around his own home and encouraged others to do the same.
New Tree City USA designees
Congratulations to Wisconsin’s newest Tree City USA designees – Gays Mills, Milton, Mukwonago, and Stratford. The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered in Wisconsin by the DNR, provides communities with a tangible goal and national recognition for their community forestry efforts.