* 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 i-Tree, American elm research, oak health issues, invasives and private equity. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events”
Japanese honeysuckle climbing up nearby trees. / Photo Credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov
Note: This is the first installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.
Many people recognize honeysuckle as a fast-spreading invasive shrub that can quickly displace native vegetation. But did you know that some honeysuckles exist as a vine?
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive perennial vine that can grow to a length of 80 feet or longer. Birds will often eat and disperse the berries the vine produces, allowing for the creation of new populations.
An adult deer tick looks for a spot to attach. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov
Adult blacklegged (deer) ticks are already active this year, as of March 2026. The adults start looking for a host as soon as it warms up to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In Wisconsin, between 20-60 percent of adult ticks are infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. However, the risk of getting Lyme disease is higher with bites from nymphal ticks, which are most abundant in June and July, because they are so tiny and difficult to find. While only 10-28 percent of nymphs are infected with the Lyme disease bacteria in Wisconsin, rapid removal of a tick can reduce the risk of infection because it takes at least 24 hours for the Lyme bacteria to spread.
A self-service firewood point of sale at Mirror Lake State Park in Sauk County. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
With camping season about to enter full swing, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges campers to think twice before giving invasive species or harmful hitchhikers a ride in their firewood.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and campfires are a Wisconsin summer staple. And campers should know it’s a big help to the state’s trees when they help to prevent the spread of invasive pests by making smart firewood choices.
By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744 and Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675
The Cover It Up project is a suite of related research projects conducted by multiple partners in Minnesota that are evaluating the ecology and management of buckthorn and other invasive plant species. Buckthorn is an invasive understory plant that was introduced to Wisconsin well over 100 years ago. It was used primarily in hedgerows, prized for its lack of pest issues and the fact it greens up early and holds its leaves well into the fall. These once desirable characteristics are also what turned this non-native into one of our state’s worst invasive species, easily outcompeting our natives, taking over Wisconsin’s forests, riparian woods, savannas, prairies, old fields, roadsides and vacant lots. Continue reading “Controlling Buckthorn With Plants”
The Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) is accepting presentations for the 2027 Annual Conference to be held in Green Bay, WI on Feb. 14-16, 2027. This three-day event attracts approximately 950 attendees including professional arborists, community foresters, nursery professionals, utility workers, park/recreation staff, other green industry professionals, educators and students.
If you are interested in speaking at this conference, please complete the online form. Please make sure that the form is filled out completely to be considered. Continue reading “Call For Urban Forestry Presentations: Due July 1, 2026”
By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578
The thought of increasing a community’s tree canopy cover is sometimes overwhelming given how many landowners are present. Think about all the stakeholders who have to buy into the initiative, not only with enthusiasm, but likely contributing money and time as well.
Contrast that with a more actionable approach focused on areas where there’s a single landowner or manager.
This was the route taken by graduate student Michelle Hess in a recent paper for a UW-Milwaukee Geography course. Michelle investigated tree canopy on Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) properties to identify which schools should be prioritized for future greening initiatives, like those organized through ReFlo. The goal was to use canopy data provided by the DNR, identify which schools had lower canopy cover, merge those data with median household income of the local Census tract and come up with a prioritized list of schools in need of tree planting. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Tree Canopy Cover On Milwaukee School Properties”
The Tour des Trees is a multi-day bike ride that not only raises funds for TREE Fund but also hosts multiple outreach events throughout the week, getting people together to learn more about the importance of tree research, proper tree care and why the industry is so vital to maintaining our urban forests.
Ride dates are Sept.12-18, 2026, riding from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. Can’t ride all five days? Ride one to four days as your schedule allows.
See information on this year’s ride and register today on the TREE Fund website.
The 2026 Tour des Trees will be an epic ride that you won’t soon forget, so make this the year that you sign up and ride with us to support tree research. Continue reading “Register For Tour Des Trees 2026”
The congressionally mandated National Urban and Community Forestry (NUCF) Ten Year Action Plan creates a guiding framework that optimizes innovations, resources and collaborations for the field of urban and community forestry. Input gathered through this voluntary form is part of the stakeholder engagement process and will help update the NUCF Ten Year Action Plan.
Perspectives from both within and beyond the urban and community forestry field are welcome. Your feedback means better data, gap assessments and goal setting, which is critical for managing extreme heat, public health and urban growth.
Learn more and submit your ideas.
Continue reading “National Urban And Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan Survey”
As warmer weather approaches, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that wild animals and their young will be on the move across Wisconsin.
“Springtime brings a flurry of inquiries from concerned individuals about the wildlife they are encountering. It is perfectly natural for many species of young wild animals to be left alone for extended periods of time, and they should not be disturbed,” said Jenna Fastner, DNR captive wildlife health specialist. “Wild animals are well-adapted to life in the wild and learning natural behaviors from their own species is imperative to their survival.”
Knowing what to do before you find a young wild animal can make all the difference in the moment to protect it and keep it in the wild with its parents. Continue reading “Keep Wildlife Wild: Know What To Do If You Encounter Young Wild Animals This Spring”
