* 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 training topics and events, including tree diseases and treatments, pest management, landscaping, career advancement, invasive species, pruning, volunteer management, new research, partnerships and developing an urban forest management plan. Continue reading “Upcoming Trainings”
By Nicolle Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grant Manager
Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced Urban Forestry Grant Program recipients for the 2026 grant year. The program helps fund projects consistent with state and national goals for increasing the urban forest canopy.
The Urban Forestry Grant Program is distributing almost $550,000 in grant funds. A dollar-for-dollar match puts the total estimated cost of these projects over $1.2 million. In total, 38 applications were selected to receive funding, with awards ranging from $2,128 to $25,000. Continue reading “2026 Urban Forestry Grants Announced”
By Abby Krause, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Abigail.Krause@wisconsin.gov or 608-556-5690
Trees are good. For those who hold trees in high esteem, this simple statement feels as much a universal truth as the sky being blue or the sun rising in the east. It can feel unfathomable that anyone might hold a contrasting opinion.
Luckily, if you are of the trees are good persuasion, there’s plenty of research out there to support your stance. Oxygen production, air pollutant removal, stormwater reduction and filtration, lower energy bills, increased property values, food sources, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and calming aesthetics are just a few oft-touted benefits provided by trees. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Outreach Examples From Western Wisconsin”
By Nicolle Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grant Manager
Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the recipients of the Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants to assist with damage sustained during severe storms that took place Aug. 9, 2025. Catastrophic storm grants range from $4,000 to $50,000 and do not require a dollar-for-dollar match. Grant funding was distributed among the following three communities: Continue reading “DNR Announces Catastrophic Storm Grant Recipients”
By Travis Derks, City of Oshkosh Landscape Operations Manager
TDerks@oshkoshwi.gov or 920-236-5080.
Photo Credit: City of Oshkosh
When presented with an offer in October of donated trees to be planted by volunteers with just over a month to plan, the City of Oshkosh didn’t hesitate to take on the challenge. Cummins Inc. (in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation and Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers) was looking to plant around 40 trees with 30 volunteers somewhere in Oshkosh by the end of this year. Continue reading “Governor Tony Evers Digs Into Planting Trees With Volunteers In Oshkosh”
Join the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) for the 2026 Wisconsin Annual Urban Forestry Conference. The conference will be held from Feb. 15 to 17 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Continue reading “WAA/DNR Annual Conference Registration Open Now!”
By Tom Jerow, Rhinelander City Forester
View of the same street before and after urban forestry efforts.
The City of Rhinelander, like many communities with populations under 10,000, has struggled to maintain a vibrant urban forestry program. Funding and staffing are its main challenges. The city also faces a variety of urban forestry issues, including pests and diseases, species diversity, community engagement, catastrophic ice storms and aging sewer and water infrastructure. The latter is one of the most significant challenges. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Rhinelander — How One Small Community Is Making Urban Forestry A Priority”
By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578
To say that working on a Christmas tree farm in high school led me into forestry would be a case of significant historical revisionism. Still, that experience swam in the same waters as reading Lord of the Rings, going on family vacations to the mountains, having a nearby municipal forest and other things that showed me that trees were the way.
Since then, I have increasingly appreciated holiday trees and other green things brought into households, not (just) in the harbinger-of-gifts way, but as reminders of life against a cold, seemingly bleak background. “Things will get better,” these green things announce. “Just wait!” Continue reading “Repurpose Your Holiday Tree!”
*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 training topics and events, including ISA certification exam preparation, plant propagation, winter tree identification, urban forest restoration, research trends and electrical hazards. Continue reading “Upcoming Trainings”
The 2026 Urban Forestry Grant application deadline was Oct. 1, 2025, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received 71 applications, equaling over $1.1 million in funding requests. A total of $559,680 is available in grant funding for 2026.
Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in or conducting their project in Wisconsin are eligible to apply for an Urban Forestry Grant. The grants range from $1,000 to $25,000, and grant applicants must match each grant dollar for dollar. Grants are awarded to projects that align with state and national goals for increasing the urban forest canopy and the benefits it provides. Continue reading “DNR Urban Forestry Grant Update”
