By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov
Note: This is the second installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.
Monarch butterflies are dependent on native milkweed for survival. But did you know there are invasive plants within the milkweed family that negatively impact this relationship?
Continue reading “Invasives Spotlight: Black and Pale Swallow-wort”
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 native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.
Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know”
A stand of dead or dying black locust trees. / Photo Credit: Norbert Frank, Bugwood.org
By Ryan Franke, University of Minnesota
The Blanchette Forest Pathology Lab at the University of Minnesota is leading a project to study black locust in Minnesota and Wisconsin and requests the help of foresters and the public in locating stands of dying black locust (Robinio pseudoacacia) this summer.
The university plans to collect native pathogenic fungi from stands of dying black locust and testing them for their suitability to biologically control black locust clones.
Continue reading “University of Minnesota Seeks Reports On Dying Black Locust Stands”
Wisconsin DNR Forest Insect Pest Specialist Mike Hillstrom gives a presentation during a New Forester Training session in Marinette County in 2024. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Mike Hillstrom, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator, will give a public presentation on forest invasive species from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20, at Lake Kegonsa State Park in Stoughton.
The talk will be part of the informational and educational events sponsored as part of the DNR’s Invasive Species Awareness Weekend.
By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578
We are pleased to offer a new resource to communities to help assess, celebrate and share information about your community’s trees and the benefits they provide.
For the 165 communities that we have inventory data on (those communities within the Wisconsin Community Tree Map), we have created summary sheets like the sample shown below. These offer a quick snapshot of your community’s species and structural diversity, canopy cover and the i-Tree derived ecosystem services for both the publicly maintained trees as well as those of the whole community. Continue reading “Forest Summary Sheets Available For Your Community!”
Over the years, a growing body of research has proven that regular access to trees makes us happier and healthier. They restore our sense of calm from head to toe — improving memory and attention span, enhancing cognitive functioning, lowering blood pressure and reducing cortisol levels. Continue reading “May Is Mental Health Awareness Month, But Trees Provide Benefits All Year Long”
By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744
With recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property.
Did your community experience damage from the storms that passed through the state recently? The list below contains resources individuals and communities may find useful. Feel free to include any of these links on your website or in social media posts. Continue reading “Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees”
By Brian Wahl, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Brian.Wahl@wisconsin.gov or 608-225-7943
What is the ANSI Z133, and why should you care?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133, more affectionately known at “The Z”, is the standard that contains arboriculture safety requirements for pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing trees, cutting brush and using equipment in such operations. If you’re reading this newsletter, you, your staff or your contactors likely participate in work that falls under the purview of this standard. Continue reading “Log Into Safety: The Free Digital ANSI Z133 Updates Are Almost Here!”
By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578
Cemeteries are important and, to many people, sacred spaces in our communities. The landscaping of these places serves the dead, of course, but can also have a profound impact on the experiences of cemetery visitors and nearby residents. This is accomplished by vegetation and art, which encourages expressions of grief and melancholy but also celebration and hope.
Trees are a prominent part of this landscaping and this mission.
DNR Urban Forestry staff in the Milwaukee office became interested in these spaces and exploring whether we could offer ways to assist cemetery managers. Continue reading “Cemetery Trees Of Southeast Wisconsin Study Now Available”
* 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”
