By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744 and Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675
The Cover It Up project is a suite of related research projects conducted by multiple partners in Minnesota that are evaluating the ecology and management of buckthorn and other invasive plant species. Buckthorn is an invasive understory plant that was introduced to Wisconsin well over 100 years ago. It was used primarily in hedgerows, prized for its lack of pest issues and the fact it greens up early and holds its leaves well into the fall. These once desirable characteristics are also what turned this non-native into one of our state’s worst invasive species, easily outcompeting our natives, taking over Wisconsin’s forests, riparian woods, savannas, prairies, old fields, roadsides and vacant lots. Continue reading “Controlling Buckthorn With Plants”
The Tour des Trees is a multi-day bike ride that not only raises funds for TREE Fund but also hosts multiple outreach events throughout the week, getting people together to learn more about the importance of tree research, proper tree care and why the industry is so vital to maintaining our urban forests.

*These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Reliable and up-to-date research-based information is vital for tree care professionals and urban foresters to make sound, scientific management decisions. To make trusted resources more accessible, UW-Extension’s
*These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Trees grow, change and like all living things, eventually decline or die. Sometimes trees are removed from urban areas due to safety concerns, tree health or insufficient space. But when these urban and community trees are viewed not as waste, but as a valuable material resource, their story doesn’t end – it continues.