The American Grove holds a competition every year searching for a tree that stands above the rest, flourishes with magnificence, and is one-of-a-kind, the Great American Tree. This year the deadline for photographic submissions is November 15, 2016. The photograph submission should be accompanied by a description of the tree and an explanation of why the tree stands out. For more information visit the American Grove website. Last year, a Bur Oak tree in Platteville, WI, submitted by Mark Hirsch, won and is the current Great American Tree. Mark’s submission of “That Tree” describes a beautiful tree and how it had the ability to change a man’s life. Continue reading “Nominations welcomed for the Great American Tree”
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40th Anniversary of Tree City USA recognized at reception
Left to right: Curt Witynski, LWM; Don Kissinger, DNR; August Hoppe, WAA; Tracy Salisbury, DNR; Pete Smith, ADF; Will Erickson, DNR Green Tier; Alex Elias, DNR; Jeff Roe, DNR; Twink Jan-Mahon, WUW.
Photo credit: Gail Sumi, LWM
On Thursday, October 20, the Urban Forestry (UF) Team provided municipalities an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the Tree City USA program and the ways it can bring pride and health to their local communities, at an evening reception during the annual League of Wisconsin Municipalities (LWM) conference. Continue reading “40th Anniversary of Tree City USA recognized at reception”
Nominate someone for council awards
The Urban Forestry Council (UFC) is a group comprised of members from municipalities throughout the state, elected officials, nursery employees and arborists that help inform and guide the DNR, specifically the Urban Forestry Program, about the needs of the communities.
Every year, the UFC, in partnership with DNR Division of Forestry Urban Forestry Program, strives to recognize individuals and organizations who have worked to increase tree planting, care, preservation, habitat and other benefits of urban trees through an awards ceremony. The awards are presented to individuals or organizations at Wisconsin’s Annual Urban Forestry Conference. Nominations for the 2017 awards are due on October 31, 2016, so please nominate people or organizations that you think exemplify the following UFC awards. Continue reading “Nominate someone for council awards”
Stratford holds Environmental Appreciation Day
Don Kissinger showing community members about proper pruning techniques
The Stratford FFA worked with the Stratford Village Tree Advisory Board to develop an Environmental Appreciation Day held on October 1, 2016. Stratford FFA member Tristan Wirkus said, “the goals of this event are to increase the use of Heritage Trail, inform the community about tree identification and health, provide environmental awareness opportunities, and become a Tree City USA.” To become a Tree City USA a community must host an event, such as the Stratford FFA Environmental Appreciation Day.
Continue reading “Stratford holds Environmental Appreciation Day”
Festival celebrates urban forests
The Fourth Annual Urban Forest Fest was held September 24 at Lynden Sculpture Garden in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Approximately 500 people learned the log-to-table story of urban wood and the many uses of local trees after they are cut down. Sawmill demonstrations, kid’s tree climbing, urban wood furniture and informational fair, Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, Falafel Guys food truck, and hands-on art and nature activities were all part of the event. For more information on Urban Forestry events visit the WDNR Urban Forestry events page.
For more information, contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), DNR Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, 608- 267-2774.
Grants help fight EAB
The Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry grant system has been a valuable tool in the fight against the emerald ash borer (EAB). The Urban Forestry grant program is a reimbursable grant; the grantee must complete the project first, and then apply for reimbursement of up to 50% for eligible items, to a maximum of $25,000.
Municipalities celebrate Tree City USA program
Tree City USA is a program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, and implemented by DNR Forestry Division. It focuses on greening communities across the country. The Arbor Day Foundation describes Tree City USA as a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve care of these vital city trees. The program gives recognition to communities committed to managing and augmenting their urban tree canopy. The beauty and abundance of trees provides the citizens of Tree City USA communities a general splendor unrivaled by anything else, as well as many other benefits.
Continue reading “Municipalities celebrate Tree City USA program”