By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675
This is one of my least favorite questions to get as an urban forester/arborist; it’s right up there with “how old is my tree?” The reason I despise this question is not because it is a bad question, but rather it is a complex one. A question that often requires much more discussion than the person who asked it is looking for… Continue reading “How Big Will My Tree Get?”
By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578
One of the many challenges for urban foresters in navigating climate change is the fact that while temperatures are elevated across every season, it can still get pretty cold in Wisconsin, even along Lake Michigan. Nonetheless, hardiness zones are shifting, and there is plentiful experimentation underway by Wisconsinites to identify which tree species are appropriate for their location throughout the 21st century.
The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science produced species vulnerability lists for six locations in Wisconsin, projecting what species are likely at increased risk (i.e. more vulnerable) under different climate change scenarios. Those are great resources that use the same background methodology as a species vulnerability analysis done for the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Continue reading “Tree Species In An Uncertain Future Climate”
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies or paying for transportation and educator costs. Grants between $100 and $1,500 are available. Educators, as well as eligible organizations, are welcome to apply, with the next deadlines for applications being Sept. 1 and March 1, 2026. Continue reading “Go Outside Funds Available”
By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675
Most urban foresters and arborists are aware of the historical significance of Dutch elm disease (DED). Introduced to the United States in the 1930s, this deadly fungus wreaked havoc on urban and rural forests throughout the United States. In many ways, DED was the impetus for many of the best practices of urban forestry we see today, such as species diversification and modern plant health care practices.
Likewise, most urban forest practitioners understand DED is still very much prevalent today, and if they are managing any lingering American elms, they know they can help decrease their susceptibility to the disease by not actively pruning or wounding them during the growing season. Pruning these elms during the growing season attracts bark beetles, which can carry thousands of DED fungal spores on their bodies. But elm is a complex genus; there are over 30 different species of elm and hundreds (if not thousands) of hybrids and cultivars in the landscape. So, which of these species and cultivars can you prune during the growing season, and which shall you not? Continue reading “When Can I Prune That Elm Tree?”
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
* 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 biopesticides, invasives, urban trees and fire, tree diseases, ecological restoration, safety and woodland trees and management. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events”
Pale swallow-wort flowers along the stem at the leaf axils. / Photo Credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
By Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Natural Resources Research Scientist
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the state’s first populations of the invasive vine pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) have been found.
The populations were first detected in Oconto and Shawano counties, within the outskirts of Krakow along the shared county line.
These are the first known populations in the state, making rapid response efforts critical in preventing the establishment of this species in Wisconsin.
Continue reading “First Populations Of Invasive Pale Swallow-wort Confirmed In Wisconsin”
A field at the Coulee Experimental Forest near La Crosse is infested by Japanese stilt grass. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Jenn Janness, DNR Urban Forestry Communications
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a virtual public hearing on a permanent rule to revise Ch. NR 40, relating to changes to invasive species regulations.
Meeting details:
Continue reading “Public Hearing On Invasive Species Regulations Set”
The front page of the Wisconsin DNR’s new Forest Health Fact Sheet on oak decline. / Graphic Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team has published two new fact sheets, bringing the total count of its fact sheet offerings to 26.
The new fact sheets:
The fact sheets are designed in full color, with photos, and are meant to be printed out for reference or to carry into the field. They can also be viewed online. They can be printed on standard letter-sized paper. Most fact sheets are two pages, meant for two-sided printing; a few are four-page documents.
A complete directory of links to all DNR Forest Health fact sheets is available online.
Mike Hillstrom and Linda Williams of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team look over a tree during a walking tour put on by the Cambridge Tree Project on July 10, 2025. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Mike Hillstrom, Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Team, will make a presentation on forest health to the Heartland National Christmas Tree Organizations Convention, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, at Hann’s Christmas Farm, 848 Tipperary Road, Oregon, WI 53575.
Oak trees with thin canopies experiencing decline following spongy moth defoliation and drought in the prior few years. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By River Mathieu, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg
River.Mathieu@wisconsin.gov
Oak decline is a complicated forest health issue impacting oak forests in Wisconsin.
In the past few years, oak decline has been recorded in several regions of Wisconsin, primarily linked to spongy moth defoliation and drought conditions that occurred from 2022-2024.
As the summer months of 2026 continue to unfold, oak decline may continue in areas previously impacted by spongy moth and drought.
