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Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan Spreads The News

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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

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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

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 * 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

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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)

Posted on by janness

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

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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” →

Forest Health Specialists Plan Appearances

Posted on by akabelowsky
Tim Shively, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health specialist for the West Central zone.

Tim Shively, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health specialist for the West Central zone. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

A list of public appearances planned by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health specialists over the coming weeks:

  • Tim Shively, DNR Forest Health specialist for the West Central zone, will present a forest health overview tailored for landowners, land managers and volunteers at a meeting of the Chippewa County Land Conservancy, set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Lafayette Town Hall, 5765 197th Street, Chippewa Falls
  • Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health specialist for the Northeast zone, will present a forest health overview to loggers, truckers and foresters at the 21st annual Sustainable Forestry Conference, set for Wednesday, April 15, inside the ski lodge at the Keyes Park Recreation Area, 4960 County Hwy. 101, Florence. Registration is required. More event information can be found on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension website.
Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist for the Northeast Zone, addresses forestry workers.

Linda Williams (left), DNR Forest Health specialist for the Northeast zone, addresses workers during a forestry seminar. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Wisconsin’s Urban Forestry Council 2025 Biennial Report Published

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By Jenn Janness, Urban Forestry Council Liaison
Jennipher.Janness@wisconsin.gov or 920-809-9330

2025 report coverThe purpose of the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is to advise the state forester and the Wisconsin DNR on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin’s urban and community forest resources. Members are appointed by the DNR Secretary and represent a wide array of stakeholders, including municipal and utility foresters, medical and higher education professionals, nursery and green industry staff, environmental groups, public works and parks staff, organizations such as the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA), the Urban Wood Network Wisconsin, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and government agencies such as WisDOT and DATCP. Continue reading “Wisconsin’s Urban Forestry Council 2025 Biennial Report Published” →

LEAF Lessons

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Leaf websiteArbor Day is right around the corner, but why wait to start celebrating and learning about trees? The LEAF K-12 Forestry Education Program provides resources to incorporate into the classroom for Arbor Day or any day! The downloadable Urban Forest Lesson Guide provides a pathway for teachers to engage students and teach them about the trees in their neighborhood. Forestry Education Kits on a variety of different themes are also available for checkout for both formal and non-formal educators. Check out the LEAF website and consider utilizing the resources they have to offer this spring. Continue reading “LEAF Lessons” →