Awards

Tree City USA – Online Portal Open, No More Paper Applications!

By Laura Buntrock, DNR Urban Forestry Partnership & Policy Specialist, Laura.Buntrock@wisconsin.gov or 608-294-0253

kids holding a Tree City USA bannerThe online portal for Tree City USA (TCUSA) is now open, with applications due Dec. 31. If you’re new to TCUSA, you can learn more about the program on the Arbor Day Foundation’s (ADF) website or from your DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator. Please note that beginning this year, Arbor ADF is no longer accepting paper applications. You can create an account by clicking “sign up now” on the application portal login page. Within the online portal, you will have access to your historical data. More information is available on ADF’s FAQ page. Continue reading “Tree City USA – Online Portal Open, No More Paper Applications!”

Reminder: Urban Forestry Council Award Nominations Due Oct. 31

Governor Tony Evers poses with award winnersDo you know of a person or organization that is making a difference in community forestry? Maybe it is a volunteer who spends their free time planting trees in the community or an organization that is committed to increasing tree diversity or a municipal employee who has dedicated their career to transforming a city’s urban forestry program. If so, please complete this short online nomination form to recognize them for their efforts! Continue reading “Reminder: Urban Forestry Council Award Nominations Due Oct. 31”

Urban Forestry Award Nominations Due Oct. 31

The Urban Forestry Council presents annual awards to outstanding individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin. Awards are presented in the categories of Next Gen, Project Partnerships, Lifetime Achievement, Innovations in Urban Forestry, Leadership and Species Diversity. The awards are announced each year at the annual WAA/Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Annual Conference and presented to winners in their community.

Continue reading “Urban Forestry Award Nominations Due Oct. 31”

NASF Accepting Award Nominations

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) is accepting nominations for its 2025 awards. Only nominations submitted on or before Friday, Aug. 1, through this online form will be considered. Descriptions of the awards, guidelines for selection and a sample nomination are included on the first page of the online form. The awardees will be honored in person and virtually at the 2025 NASF Annual Meeting in Waimea, Hawaii. Continue reading “NASF Accepting Award Nominations”

Wisconsin Tree Leaders Recognized For Exceptional Community Service

By Jenn Janness, DNR Urban Forestry Outreach Specialist
Jennipher.Janness@wisconsin.gov or 715-815-7173

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council presents annual awards for furthering urban forestry in the state.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council advises the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on managing urban and community forest resources.

“Each year, these awards remind me of how special the people are in our industry and the numerous accomplishments they fulfill,” said Lee Fredericks, Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Award Committee Chair. “Whether they are taking on projects to expand their leadership, involving the next generation of arborists or advancing species diversity in the urban forest canopy, the state as a whole truly benefits.”

This year’s recipients were announced at the 2025 Wisconsin Arborist Association/DNR Urban Forestry Conference in Green Bay. The categories and winners are: Continue reading “Wisconsin Tree Leaders Recognized For Exceptional Community Service”

Tree City USA: Wisconsin Can Take The Lead In Growth Awards Earned With Your Help

By Abby Krause, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator; Abigail.Krause@wisconsin.gov or 608-556-5690

Tree City USA is an annual recognition program presented by the Arbor Day Foundation that allows communities to publicly demonstrate their continued commitment to the care of their local urban forest. Returning Tree City USA communities are also eligible to apply for Growth Awards. These awards recognize community forestry programs that go above and beyond the four core tenets of Tree City USA.

Wisconsin has consistently proven to be a national leader in the stewardship of the forests outside our front doors all across the state. In 2023, we saw participation from Milwaukee, our state’s most populous city, down to Ephraim, a village of only a few hundred residents. We ranked third nationally in both programs with 194 Tree City USA communities and 26 Growth Awards. Only Ohio and Illinois ranked higher. Continue reading “Tree City USA: Wisconsin Can Take The Lead In Growth Awards Earned With Your Help”

Urban Forestry Council Award Nominations Due Oct. 31

Urban Forestry Council Award WinnersThe Urban Forestry Council presents annual awards to outstanding individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin. Awards are presented in the categories of Next Gen, Project Partnerships, Lifetime Achievement, Innovations in Urban Forestry, Leadership and new this year, Species Diversity. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Council Award Nominations Due Oct. 31”

The Urban Forestry Council Award Nomination Form Is Now Online

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”