The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council, comprised of municipal employees, elected officials, nursery operators, and arborists, advises the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry on the best ways to manage 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 the trees, plantings, habitat and economic benefits they provide. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Council award nominations OPEN”
Awards
Getting active in Wisconsin’s urban forest
By Rob Fontella, fontella@wisc.edu, healthTIDE UW-Madison Public Health
As the weather gets warmer, Wisconsinites are getting out there and enjoying their community and the natural areas the state has to offer. Recently a new effort was launched to encourage communities in Wisconsin to become part of a campaign recognizing the community’s efforts to promote active lifestyles. Continue reading “Getting active in Wisconsin’s urban forest”
Celebrate Arbor Day: Successes across the state
Kids climb at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison
Like a child grows from birth to toddler to adulthood, a tree grows from seed to sapling to mature tree. As we nurture and care for our children as they grow, we must also for trees. This year there were several Arbor Day celebrations hosted across the state, all aiming to increase the publics knowledge of how to cherish and cultivate trees. Continue reading “Celebrate Arbor Day: Successes across the state”
You can be a star!
by Jodie Ellis, communications specialist (Madison). Jodie.Ellis@wisconsin.gov; 608-266-2172
Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin will be held this year in June. To celebrate, the Wisconsin DNR is teaming up with partners for the “Protect the Places You Play” video challenge. We are looking for video entries from the public (no longer than two minutes, please) that show how you or your group help prevent the spread of invasive species. The winning video’s producer will be invited to attend the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council’s Invader Crusader Awards ceremony on June 6 at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. Submissions must be received no later than Monday, May 15.
Entries will be voted on by visitors to the DNR’s Facebook page. Voting will be open from May 16 through 25. For instructions on entering your video, see the 2018 Video Challenge page on the Council’s website. Need some inspiration? See last year’s winning submission.
City tree champions lauded for outstanding community service
The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced award recipients 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. Continue reading “City tree champions lauded for outstanding community service”
Is your city a Bird, Bee or Tree City?
Right now, you’re probably sitting in your office, trying to stay warm and planning for the year ahead. Be sure to check out the following recognition programs and pass the information along to committee and boards who would be interested. The great part is that a single project could be used to help meet all three programs’ requirements! Also be sure to check out amazing trainings that are being offered throughout the state. Continue reading “Is your city a Bird, Bee or Tree City?”
Tree City and Tree Campus USA applications due
Tree City and Tree Campus USA application deadlines are right around the corner, December 31! You can access information and application materials for these Arbor Day Foundation recognition programs from the DNR Urban Forestry website or Arbor Day Foundation’s website. Tree City and Tree Campus applicants are encouraged to use the online application form, though hard-copy applications are available. These national award programs recognize efforts to raise awareness of the importance of trees and integrate trees and proper tree care in Wisconsin communities, around utility lines and facilities, and on college campuses. Continue reading “Tree City and Tree Campus USA applications due”
Second round of Urban Forestry grants awarded
The DNR Urban Forestry Grant program awarded $86,185.66 to five Wisconsin communities for urban forestry projects during our 2017 second round of funding. In order to ensure a pool of catastrophic storm funds throughout the year, we have switched to awarding grants in two rounds, instead of awarding all of our funds in December. The communities who received grants in April include DeForest, Neillsville, Port Washington, Watertown, and Witting. Continue reading “Second round of Urban Forestry grants awarded”
New Tree City USA designees
Congratulations to Wisconsin’s newest Tree City USA designees – Gays Mills, Milton, Mukwonago, and Stratford. The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered in Wisconsin by the DNR, provides communities with a tangible goal and national recognition for their community forestry efforts.
Tree champions lauded for community service
Five individuals and organizations earned recognition from the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council for their efforts to protect, preserve and increase the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. Continue reading “Tree champions lauded for community service”