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”
Urban Forestry News
Upcoming Trainings
*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”
Spongy Moth Population In Decline
Spongy moth caterpillars killed by nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) hang in an inverted “V” orientation; caterpillars killed by the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga hang vertically. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Specialist
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov; 608-513-7690
Spongy moth caterpillars began hatching at the end of April in 2025 and are now actively feeding on leaves. In most Wisconsin locations, though, the population will not be as high as it has been in the last few years.
Wisconsin has had the largest outbreak in state history over the past few years. Fortunately, the outbreak collapsed in many areas of the state in 2024. The wet spring weather in April and May of 2024 allowed a fungus and a virus that infects spongy moth caterpillars to cause heavy mortality. Although some hot spots still exist in south central and northeast Wisconsin, we expect those populations to decline in 2025.
Watch For Oak Wilt Symptoms
An oak tree (center) that died rapidly from oak wilt during the summer of 2024. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Specialist
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-7690
Oak wilt symptoms typically begin to appear in southern Wisconsin in late June and in northern Wisconsin during July.
Watch for browning leaves, starting at the top of the canopy and progressing downward. Most leaves will fall from infected trees as they die, typically within two to four weeks.
Take Action On Invasive Species This Month
Volunteers smile while they spend a busy day pulling garlic mustard from a Wisconsin forested area. Volunteers provide thousands of hours of annual help in the fight against invasive plant species. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Mackenzie Manicki, Wisconsin DNR Invasive Plants Specialist
Mackenzie.Manicki@wisconsin.gov or 608-206-4561
June is Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. This tradition of spreading awareness and taking action began back in 2005.
Twenty years ago, the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council collaborated with partners such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin (IPAW) to hold the first Invasive Species Action Awards, aimed at recognizing and celebrating professional or volunteer groups and individuals that exemplify what it means to make an impact on invasive species.
Continue reading “Take Action On Invasive Species This Month”
Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know
By Wisconsin DNR
With 145 invasive plants regulated under Wisconsin’s Invasive Species Rule NR40, it can be challenging to identify some of these plants while out in the woods.
The task can be further complicated by the presence of native lookalikes – plants that have a similar appearance to harmful invasive species but are actually native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.
Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know”
DNR’s Hillstrom To Discuss Invasive Species
Michael Hillstrom, invasive forest pest coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Wisconsin DNR
Michael Hillstrom, Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will present a public talk on invasive species and forest health on Sunday, June 22.
Hillstrom’s talk will be part of a two-hour presentation, running from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Kegonsa State Park, 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton. It is open to the public.
The event is one of several statewide gatherings organized by the DNR as part of Invasive Species Awareness Weekend.
Arbor Day 2025: Growing Together Across Wisconsin
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!
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
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”