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”
The Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Urban Forestry program cohosted their annual conference on Feb. 16-18 in Green Bay. One of the preeminent events in arboriculture and urban forestry, the gathering brought together hundreds of people from the private, public, nonprofit and academic sectors to network and share knowledge about urban forest management.
This year was a record-breaker: 946 attendees, the highest mark ever. Data was also compiled regarding organizational affiliations of attendees this year. 
Wisconsin winters with subzero weather can create problems for our trees. Frost cracks are one of those problems we’re seeing an uptick of lately. These longitudinal openings can run the entire length of the trunk, often extend deep into the wood, and permanently damage a tree. In wintertime, the tree may even look like it’s splitting in half! Then warmer weather comes, and the crack seems to close, repeating this process annually. Over time, frost cracks may even develop a raised area where callus tissue develops in an attempt to close over the wound, only to reopen again next winter. 
Now is the time to sign up for Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K! Run, walk or roll to support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks. The program was started in 2019 when Bob Ross Inc. partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to raise awareness of and money for tree planting and has since expanded to 13 states. 