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Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees

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By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator; Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

With recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property. Continue reading “Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees” →

Why Don’t All Trees Leaf Out At The Same Time?

Posted on by janness

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

Photo credit: Mike Wendt

Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year. The reemergence of life is all around us, and the smell of fresh rain accompanies the sights and sounds of spring. The birds are scouring the soil for fresh insects to eat, the frogs are croaking away in the swamps and the bees buzz freely from plant to plant. Along with these sights and sounds of spring, another incredible transformation is occurring on our largest and longest-lived organisms in the landscape, trees. Continue reading “Why Don’t All Trees Leaf Out At The Same Time?” →

DNR Staff Drafted To Plant Trees In Green Bay

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Governor Tony Evers addresses the crowd prior to planting 15 large shade trees.

As part of the 2025 NFL Draft festivities in Green Bay during the week of April 21, the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Team proudly served as a key technical partner for the tree planting event. Held in partnership with the NFL, Oneida Nation, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers and Verizon as part of the NFL Green initiative, the event brought attention to the importance of community trees and environmental stewardship. Continue reading “DNR Staff Drafted To Plant Trees In Green Bay” →

Arbor Day Foundation Reporting Dashboard

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Arbor Day Foundation USA Interactive Map
Do you know how many Tree Campus Healthcare facilities are in Wisconsin or how many trees were planted by Arbor Day Foundation partners in the state? Find this and other eye-opening information by visiting the new Arbor Day Reporting Dashboard. Scroll to select Wisconsin on the left side of the page to see state-specific data. Select a tab at the top to see specific information about the Tree City USA, Tree Campus or Tree Line programs. Continue reading “Arbor Day Foundation Reporting Dashboard” →

Upcoming Trainings

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

See below for information on the Wisconsin Arborist Association Summer Conference, the Trees and Utility Conference, the International Society of Arboriculture International Conference, webinars on birch health, storm damage, chipper operation and tree equity and educational resources. Continue reading “Upcoming Trainings” →

Arbor Day 2025: Growing Together Across Wisconsin

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By Jay Dampier, DNR IRA Grant Coordinator
Jason.Dampier@wisconsin.gov or 920-765-1935

Arbor Day story time

This April and early May, communities across Wisconsin came together to celebrate Arbor Day. The DNR supported over 40 in-person events statewide. From Marshfield to Menasha and from New Richmond to New Glarus, staff fanned out across the state engaging communities in Arbor Day celebrations. Continue reading “Arbor Day 2025: Growing Together Across Wisconsin” →

Watch Out!

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Have you ever walked through a patch of poison ivy or brushed up against wild parsnip? If so, you probably learned an uncomfortable lesson about encountering harmful plants. Luckily, there is a less painful way to learn about dangerous vegetation hidden among Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Now is the time to brush up on hazards you may encounter while working or recreating outdoors.

Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin, a guide published by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, will help you recognize, avoid and handle potential problems caused by wildlife, insects and plants. Continue reading “Watch Out!” →

Survey: Likelihood Of Included Bark Failure

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Are you an arborist or urban forester who conducts tree risk assessments?

Researchers from the Universities of Toronto, Florida and Wisconsin-Stevens Point are researching how arborists perceive the likelihood of failure of included bark. They’ve put together a survey with scenarios and photos and are looking for tree care professionals to rate the likelihood of failure. As an incentive, there will be a drawing for one of ten $100 gift cards to an arborist supply store. Continue reading “Survey: Likelihood Of Included Bark Failure” →

Lend Your Expertise To The Silviculture Guidance Team

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Public, Private Forestry Experts Encouraged To Apply For Membership In State Advisory Committee

Are you a forestry expert interested in working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), forest industry professionals and natural resource leaders to ensure sustainable management practices of Wisconsin’s forest resources?

The DNR and Wisconsin Council on Forestry are seeking representatives from a variety of partner interest groups to fill several current and upcoming vacancies on the Silviculture Guidance Team (SGT), which provides crucial oversight and input to ensure the responsible and effective management of Wisconsin’s forest resources. Continue reading “Lend Your Expertise To The Silviculture Guidance Team” →

Save The Date: Upcoming Conferences

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Partners in Community Forestry Conference: Nov. 19-20, 2025
This gathering unites passionate individuals, communities, organizations and leaders to explore innovative solutions, share insights and collaborate on the future of urban forestry. Join leaders across the industry to focus on strengthening the bonds between people and trees, fostering sustainable practices and creating green, thriving urban landscapes.

Keep an eye on the website or sign up for emails for more information.

 

WAA Summer Conference: July 31, 2025
Location: Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI
Watch the WAA website for more information and registration. Continue reading “Save The Date: Upcoming Conferences” →