Urban forestry programs and community trees provide many benefits to the individuals and families who inhabit those areas: improved mental health, increased energy savings, cleaner air and beauty. Another benefit of urban trees, and perhaps a lesser-known benefit, is better water quality. Continue reading “April showers: urban forests improve water”
Archives
Review 2017 WAA annual conference
Recently, the DNR Urban Forestry Program and the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) recently held the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With the theme “Healthy Benefits to Enriching Your Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Knowledge,” the conference was three full days of exhibits, presentations from experts across the world, and networking events and opportunities. There was record attendance this year, beating out last year’s record of 750. This year, the WAA offered a new Utility Track of presentations that allowed members to learn more about technologies in community forestry and other topics to help those who attended. Continue reading “Review 2017 WAA annual conference”
Finding bird friendly trees
If you are looking for bird friendly trees and shrubs a database has been created that can help. The Audubon Native Plants Database allows you to enter a zip code and get a list of bird friendly native plants. You can filter based on plant type and what type of bird the plant attracts. The database also shows what kind of birds favor particular plants.
For more information contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, at 608-267-2774.
Are gravel beds right for your community?
Gravel beds, a way of holding bare root trees and extending the bare root planting season, have been growing in popularity, especially in the Midwest. Several municipalities and other organizations throughout Wisconsin have been utilizing gravel beds to plant more trees on tight budgets, diversify plantings, decrease labor and ensure sound, healthy root systems. Hudson and Racine are wonderful examples of the success of gravel beds. Continue reading “Are gravel beds right for your community?”
Innovative nurseries increase species selection
“Plant a tree to thrive, not to simply survive.” Dan Traas, Ranger Service, echoes the sentiment of most arborists and urban foresters’. There are numerous crucial steps in the tree planting process, location, soil type and temperature must all be considered. However, the species of tree chosen may be the utmost central consideration. Continue reading “Innovative nurseries increase species selection”
Tree champions lauded for community service
Five individuals and organizations earned recognition from the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council for their efforts to protect, preserve and increase the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. Continue reading “Tree champions lauded for community service”
Collecting your local Arbor Day stories
Arbor Day has a long tradition in Wisconsin. This historic holiday has been celebrated in Wisconsin since 1883, and continues to be celebrated here and around the world. Many communities combine their Arbor Day celebrations with Tree City USA anniversaries and related achievements. Tree City USA, a program through the Arbor Day Foundation, acknowledges the commitment of a community to its urban trees. In addition to Tree City USA materials to help create a local celebration, Wisconsin DNR Division of Forestry offers materials, games, activities, facts and more to support your community in planning the perfect Arbor Day celebration. Arbor Day is an important part of Wisconsin’s history and has always been celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm. Continue reading “Collecting your local Arbor Day stories”
Spread the love: how to help your urban forests
Trees are vitally important to cities, villages and towns. Like electricity and water, an urban tree canopy is part of a community’s infrastructure, providing valuable environmental, economic and social benefits. Well-managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them. Continue reading “Spread the love: how to help your urban forests”
Make sure you are prepared for EAB
Recently, Iowa DNR conducted a survey of its community foresters to understand preparedness for ash mortality from EAB in their communities. EAB continues its spread, not just throughout Wisconsin, but other states, such as Iowa, as well. This survey displays some interesting data. Seemingly, despite the continued spread and the many cases studies on the effects of EAB in communities, no communities surveyed contain private land owners that are prepared for the increased ash mortality. View the survey to see other results and barriers to EAB preparedness. If you have any questions about EAB and how to prepare in your community contact your local Urban Forestry Coordinator.
For more information contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, at 608-267-2774.
CTMI graduate workshop, young tree pruning
This fall Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry program hosted the inaugural Wisconsin Community Tree Management Institute (WCTMI) graduate workshop. It was held over two days in mid-October at the Green Lake Conference Center. The workshop included presentations and mini-workshops on many topics. One of the topics was young tree pruning. Continue reading “CTMI graduate workshop, young tree pruning”