Foresters

Call For Urban Forestry Presentations: Due July 1, 2026

Wisconsin Arborist Association LogoThe Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) is accepting presentations for the 2027 Annual Conference to be held in Green Bay, WI on Feb. 14-16, 2027. This three-day event attracts approximately 950 attendees including professional arborists, community foresters, nursery professionals, utility workers, park/recreation staff, other green industry professionals, educators and students.

If you are interested in speaking at this conference, please complete the online form. Please make sure that the form is filled out completely to be considered. Continue reading “Call For Urban Forestry Presentations: Due July 1, 2026”

National Urban And Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan Survey

people in a parkThe congressionally mandated National Urban and Community Forestry (NUCF) Ten Year Action Plan creates a guiding framework that optimizes innovations, resources and collaborations for the field of urban and community forestry. Input gathered through this voluntary form is part of the stakeholder engagement process and will help update the NUCF Ten Year Action Plan.

Perspectives from both within and beyond the urban and community forestry field are welcome. Your feedback means better data, gap assessments and goal setting, which is critical for managing extreme heat, public health and urban growth.

Learn more and submit your ideas.

Continue reading “National Urban And Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan Survey”

Urban Forestry Award Winners Announced

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.

2026 Award Winners

Pictured left to right: Corey Gritzmacher (Mequon Nature Preserve), Jamie Ferschinger, (MMSD), Jacob Fincher (Sweet Water), Jeremy Kane (Urban Tree Alliance), Tom Jerow (City of Rhinelander); Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Linda Cadotte, chair of the Urban Forestry Council commented, “Those who champion and advance Wisconsin’s urban forests often do so without recognition. With these awards, we aim to shine a light on a few of the dedicated leaders whose outstanding contributions today are helping to ensure a healthy, resilient tree canopy for tomorrow.” Continue reading “Urban Forestry Award Winners Announced”

Submit Proposals For Partners In Community Forestry Conference

Arbor Day Foundation LogoThe Partners in Community Forestry Conference is currently seeking speaking proposals for the upcoming conference Nov. 18-19 in St. Louis.  Any passionate speakers, community leaders and learners are encouraged to send a proposal submission. These speeches are an opportunity to share your expertise and passion about community forestry with others. The topics for this year’s speaker proposals include: Continue reading “Submit Proposals For Partners In Community Forestry Conference”

Community Spotlight: Introducing The New City Forester For City Of Milwaukee

By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675

Erin Stoekl was selected in late October to lead the Forestry Services Section for the City of Milwaukee. Erin has worked for City of Milwaukee forestry for 11 years and has been in the industry for 16 years. Over the past three years, she has served as one of three District Managers, overseeing forestry operations for the southern portion of the city. Prior to this position, Erin served for seven years as the Property Maintenance and Compliance Manager.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Alverno College and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Landscape Horticulture. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Introducing The New City Forester For City Of Milwaukee”

After The Ice: Urban Forestry’s Role In Community Recovery And Resilience

By Lee Mueller, Davey Resource Group, Inc., Kevin Sayers, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Paul Hickman, Urban Ashes

*Republished with permission from the authors

ice covered street trees

Photo Credit: MI DNR

Cold weather is just around the corner, so now is the time to develop or revisit winter storm response plans. Ice storms are a recurring challenge in the Midwest. Freezing rain can add substantial weight to limbs, causing even healthy trees to snap. Ultimately, events like this can offer opportunities to reassess communities’ approaches to tree management and build stronger, more resilient urban forests. Continue reading “After The Ice: Urban Forestry’s Role In Community Recovery And Resilience”

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”