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Tree Species In An Uncertain Future Climate

Posted on by janness

By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578

One of the many challenges for urban foresters in navigating climate change is the fact that while temperatures are elevated across every season, it can still get pretty cold in Wisconsin, even along Lake Michigan. Nonetheless, hardiness zones are shifting, and there is plentiful experimentation underway by Wisconsinites to identify which tree species are appropriate for their location throughout the 21st century.

The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science produced species vulnerability lists for six locations in Wisconsin, projecting what species are likely at increased risk (i.e. more vulnerable) under different climate change scenarios. Those are great resources that use the same background methodology as a species vulnerability analysis done for the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Continue reading “Tree Species In An Uncertain Future Climate” →

Go Outside Funds Available

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The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies or paying for transportation and educator costs. Grants between $100 and $1,500 are available. Educators, as well as eligible organizations, are welcome to apply, with the next deadlines for applications being Sept. 1 and March 1, 2026. Continue reading “Go Outside Funds Available” →

When Can I Prune That Elm Tree?

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By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675

Most urban foresters and arborists are aware of the historical significance of Dutch elm disease (DED). Introduced to the United States in the 1930s, this deadly fungus wreaked havoc on urban and rural forests throughout the United States. In many ways, DED was the impetus for many of the best practices of urban forestry we see today, such as species diversification and modern plant health care practices.

Likewise, most urban forest practitioners understand DED is still very much prevalent today, and if they are managing any lingering American elms, they know they can help decrease their susceptibility to the disease by not actively pruning or wounding them during the growing season. Pruning these elms during the growing season attracts bark beetles, which can carry thousands of DED fungal spores on their bodies. But elm is a complex genus; there are over 30 different species of elm and hundreds (if not thousands) of hybrids and cultivars in the landscape. So, which of these species and cultivars can you prune during the growing season, and which shall you not? Continue reading “When Can I Prune That Elm Tree?” →

Upcoming Training & Events

Posted on by janness

group of adult learning to identify trees* These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

See below for information on training topics and events, including biopesticides, invasives, urban trees and fire, tree diseases, ecological restoration, safety and woodland trees and management. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →

2027 Urban Forestry Grants Announced

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

aerial view of neighborhoodBeginning July 1, 2026, cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting projects in Wisconsin can apply for a regular or startup 2027 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry grant. Continue reading “2027 Urban Forestry Grants Announced” →

The Urban Forestry Staff Springs Into Action For Arbor Day

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Laura Buntrock hosted an urban forestry booth at Rhinelander’s Earth Day Sustainability Fair, where she educated the public on the benefits of urban trees, provided resources and answered questions.

April and May might just be the busiest months of the year for the Urban Forestry staff. This small but mighty team participates in as many Arbor Day, Earth Day and Forest Appreciation Week events as they can fit into their schedules. Municipalities, schools and nonprofits tend to spread out their events over a couple months rather than scheduling them all on Arbor Day, which allows the staff to get to more events.

The Urban Forestry team’s involvement in these events varies and can include tree planting, seedling distribution, education and tree-related activities, such as competing for the loudest Arbor Day cheer. If you have an event you would like an Urban Forestry staff member to attend at any time of the year, get your request in early!

Here are just a few of the events that Urban Forestry staff attended. Continue reading “The Urban Forestry Staff Springs Into Action For Arbor Day” →

Urban Forestry Welcomes Summer Interns

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The Urban Forestry team is excited to have two interns this summer through the State of Wisconsin Student Development Internship Program (SWSDIP). They will be working out of the Milwaukee DNR office but will also have opportunities to get involved in projects in other parts of the state. The Urban Forestry interns always hit the ground running, squeezing an impressive number of activities into their time with the program. Watch for an article later in the year summarizing their experience with the Urban Forestry program. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Welcomes Summer Interns” →

What’s In A Name? An Intro To Reading Scientific Names

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By Abby Krause, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Abigail.Krause@wisconsin.gov or 608-556-5690

What’s in a name? That which we call a tree by any other name would stand as tall. Okay, maybe that’s not exactly how the Shakespeare quote goes, but in the urban forestry world, what we call a tree does play into our management decisions.

As communities work to recover from the devastation inflicted by invasives pests and build resilience against future challenges, species diversity rules have become the guide for planting projects. Planning out care of trees once they’re in the ground also revolves around knowing which species are present. How are we tallying our progress toward diversity goals, relaying the specific species we want to order from the nursery or narrowing down what’s ailing that tree in the park? Continue reading “What’s In A Name? An Intro To Reading Scientific Names” →

Maple Leaf Blister And Anthracnose: Two Diseases Of Maple Leaves

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By Nathaniel Walton, Michigan State University Extension

Updated from an original article written by Diane Brown and Lori Imboden

Irregularly shaped anthracnose lesions on a red maple (Acer rubrum) leaf. Photo by Rebecca Finneran, MSU Extension.

Each year, Michigan State University Extension receives questions from the public regarding spots on the leaves of their favorite maple trees. Both anthracnose and maple leaf blister can be the cause of late spring and early summer damage to leaves of these popular landscape trees. Continue reading “Maple Leaf Blister And Anthracnose: Two Diseases Of Maple Leaves” →

Upcoming Training & Events

Posted on by janness

* These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

group of adult learning to identify treesSee below for information on training topics and events, including the WAA Summer Conference, leadership, pollinator habitats, safety, tree ID and the ISA Annual Conference. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →