Giant hogweed. Photo by Donna Ellis.
Giant hogweed can be a threat to human health. Its sap has Furocoumarins (photosensitizing compounds) that can cause a skin reaction known as phyto-photodermatitis. This makes the skin highly sensitive to ultraviolet light. Swelling and blistering of the skin may lead to permanent scarring, and contact with the eyes can cause temporary and sometimes permanent blindness.
In Wisconsin, giant hogweed is classified as a prohibited species under the Invasive Species Rule (Wis. Adm. Code ch. NR 40). Its presence potentially causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Isolated populations of Giant hogweed have been found in Wisconsin with immediate control taking place after verification. Continue reading “Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)”
Breathe in… breathe out. The clear air that fills your lungs has been purified by trees. Clean air is one of the many ecological, economic and social benefits trees provide us. Trees also reduce crime rate, increase property values, reduce heating and cooling costs, increase tests scores, beautify communities, and provide lumber by-products. In late April, people around the world, both old and young, took time to celebrate these and other benefits by participating in Arbor Day celebrations.
Green Tier, a voluntary program administered by the DNR, works with entities conducting their business beyond compliance requirements and looking for ways to improve. Currently there are 82 participants with 248 facilities in the program along with six Green Tier Charters, including the 
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A recently published report from The Nature Conservancy titled “Planting Healthy Air,” detailed which cities could benefit most from tree plantings, focusing on the benefit they could gain from the heat and PM (particle matter) reduction credited to tree plantings. This report found that investing $4 per resident in these cities for tree planting could improve the health of millions, further showcasing trees as a cost-effective solution for air pollution and heat islands, among many other urban difficulties.