Register For The 2024 Partners In Community Forestry Conference

Posted on by janness

The Arbor Day Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 Partners in Community Forestry Conference and Alliance for Community Trees Day will be held in Chicago, Illinois Nov. 20-21.

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. Continue reading “Register For The 2024 Partners In Community Forestry Conference” →

Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grant Opportunity

Posted on by janness

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. Continue reading “Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grant Opportunity” →

Community Forest Corps Funding Opportunities Available

Posted on by janness

As part of the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry’s Inflation Reduction Act Program, the Center for Regenerative Solutions and Urban Sustainability Directors Network opened the application for capacity building and workforce development grants for communities to accelerate urban forestry through the launch and management of Community Forestry Corps youth employment programs. Continue reading “Community Forest Corps Funding Opportunities Available” →

Preliminary Seedling Availability For Spring 2025 Planting | Wisconsin DNR Reforestation Program

Posted on by wjaroch

Proper tree planting requires a lot of decision-making, and one of the most crucial decisions is which species and age are the most appropriate and cost-effective to plant. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Reforestation Program is taking some of the unknowns out of that process by giving landowners and property managers an early peek at the seedlings we anticipate having available in fall 2024 for planting in spring 2025.

This list is preliminary, as some species may be added, adjusted or removed depending on health, growth and other factors as the growing season progresses.

The listed tree and shrub seedlings will be available to purchase starting Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. Though we expect high demand, we anticipate having a variety of species and ages available to all customers.

Continue reading “Preliminary Seedling Availability For Spring 2025 Planting | Wisconsin DNR Reforestation Program” →

The Urban Forestry Council Award Nomination Form Is Now Online

Posted on by janness

Governor Tony Evers made a surprise appearance to congratulate the 2024 Urban Forestry Council and Wisconsin Arborist Association award winners.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is comprised of municipal employees, elected officials, nursery operators, arborists and others who advise the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin’s urban and community forest resources.

Every year, the council bestows several awards to recognize and thank individuals and organizations across Wisconsin for their work and commitment to community forests and the economic benefits they provide. Individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin are eligible. The awards are announced each year at the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference.

Nominations are now being accepted online for the 2025 awards and must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. Continue reading “The Urban Forestry Council Award Nomination Form Is Now Online” →

2025 DNR Urban Forestry Grant Application Now Open

Posted on by janness

Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in or conducting urban forestry projects in Wisconsin can now apply for a regular or startup 2025 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry Grant.

Regular Urban Forestry grants are competitive cost-share grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, and grant recipients must match each grant dollar-for-dollar. These grants fund projects that improve a community’s capacity to manage its trees and projects that help conserve, protect, expand or enhance the urban forest resource. These grants do not subsidize routine forestry activities. Continue reading “2025 DNR Urban Forestry Grant Application Now Open” →

DNR Now Accepting Applications For Wisconsin Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants

Posted on by janness

By Nicolle R. Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grants Manager; Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for Wisconsin Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants.

This round of grant funding became available through Executive Order #232, signed by Gov. Tony Evers on June 28, 2024, declaring a state of emergency due to recent severe weather events across Wisconsin. Continue reading “DNR Now Accepting Applications For Wisconsin Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants” →

The Wisconsin Disaster Fund

Posted on by janness

By Katie Rousonelos, Wisconsin Emergency Management – Public Information Officer; Katie.Rousonelos@widma.gov or 608-242-3239

Severe weather can destroy Wisconsin communities and result in hefty cleanup costs. While public works budgets and insurance may cover some expenses, the costs might exceed available funding.

Federal funding could help, but qualifying for a federally declared disaster can be difficult. The Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance program funds state, tribal, territorial and local governments. It covers costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures and restoring public infrastructure. To get this funding, damage at the state level must reach at least $1.84 per member of the population. At the county level, it is $4.60 per person. Those numbers are adjusted every year and are based on census data. Continue reading “The Wisconsin Disaster Fund” →

Community Roots Program Now Accepting Grant Applications

Posted on by janness

Applications for funding through the Community Roots Program are now available for community-based nonprofit organizations to help support urban forestry projects in underserved and often overlooked communities. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 12.

This grant is an excellent opportunity for community-based nonprofit organizations to improve the health and resilience of their communities through projects such as: Continue reading “Community Roots Program Now Accepting Grant Applications” →

DNR Supports School-Based Urban Forest Canopy In Green Bay

Posted on by janness

By Jonathan Ismail, Outreach Specialist, LEAF K-12 Forestry Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Jismail@uwsp.edu or 715-346-3229

Photo credit: Scott Stromberger

How can learning be enhanced outdoors? What does a tree canopy at a “green” school look like? Can an outdoor classroom be an effective learning environment?

Edison Middle School in Green Bay is exploring outdoor STEM learning opportunities thanks to partnerships with DNR Urban Forestry, American Transmission Company (ATC) and LEAF K-12 Forestry Education. The plan to create an outdoor classroom grew from a discussion Urban Forestry Coordinator Tracy Salisbury had with ATC staff looking for opportunities to give back to communities. ATC’s interest in funding STEM education in their communities was a natural fit for the DNR’s goal to increase tree canopies at schools. Continue reading “DNR Supports School-Based Urban Forest Canopy In Green Bay” →