Partners

Forest Summary Sheets Available For Your Community!

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!”

Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

storm-damaged treeWith 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”

Governor Plants Seeds Of Celebration For Wisconsin’s Forests

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (second from right) joins educators working with the Lodi School Forest during a tree planting event on Arbor Day 2026.

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Forest Health Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov; 608-335-0167

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers didn’t have to go out on a limb to make this announcement.

By issuing a Governor’s Proclamation last month, Gov. Evers has shined a spotlight on Wisconsin’s 17 million acres of forestland. His announcement officially recognized Wisconsin’s participation in Forest Appreciation Week and Arbor Day.

Continue reading “Governor Plants Seeds Of Celebration For Wisconsin’s Forests”

Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan Spreads The News

Paul Cigan (in black hat) discusses the health of a tree with fellow Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health specialists Bill McNee and Linda Williams in Cambridge. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

Paul Cigan, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health specialist for Northwest Wisconsin, has planned a public discussion for Tuesday, June 30, in Ashland.

Cigan will give a presentation on “Invasive Insects and Diseases” and take questions from those in attendance at the event, set for 6 p.m. June 30 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, 29270 County Hwy. G, Ashland.

Continue reading “Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan Spreads The News”

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”

Upcoming Training & Events

 * 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 flowering trees, climbing events, ecological restoration and gardening, urban forestry risks, soil health, chainsaw training, useful software and online tools, advocacy, career advancement and maintaining optimism.

Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events”

Arbor Day Caps Off A Week Of Environmental Action And Celebration

kids planting a tree

Photo Credit: Olivia Witthun, Wisconsin DNR

Don’t think of Arbor Day as the end of Forest Appreciation Week, think of it as the beginning of tree planting season! Arbor Day is a celebration rooted in a simple but powerful idea that planting trees is an investment in the future.

The first Arbor Day started as a community effort to restore trees in Nebraska. The secretary of the Nebraska Territory at the time, J. Sterling Morton, led this effort, and on April 10, 1872, the first official Arbor Day was celebrated. The success of the first tree-planting holiday spread quickly, and today, it is observed in all 50 states and in many countries around the world. The Arbor Day Foundation estimates tens of millions of trees are planted each year in honor of Arbor Day. Continue reading “Arbor Day Caps Off A Week Of Environmental Action And Celebration”

Celebrate Arbor Day Using Social Media (See Our Suggested Posts Below)

For the last few years, our urban forestry team has been writing social media posts for Wisconsin communities to post during Arbor Week. We encourage you to use social media to celebrate the many benefits of trees and inform the public on proper tree care. Here are some tips to get your messages noticed followed by sample social media posts.

  • Use pictures of local trees in your posts to inspire community members to get out and explore the local urban forest.
  • Share pictures of past tree-planting events to generate enthusiasm.
  • Ask a question to encourage engagement.
  • Include links to more information.
  • Share stories about interesting local trees such as the oldest tree, the biggest tree, the most unique-looking tree or a tree that has survived a catastrophic event.
  • Do you have any local celebrities in your community? Have the mayor or a librarian or school superintendent share stories about their favorite trees.

Continue reading “Celebrate Arbor Day Using Social Media (See Our Suggested Posts Below)”

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”