CTMI is a continuing education course specifically tailored to the needs of municipal parks, planning or public works employees who have tree related responsibilities, but do not have a strong background in urban forestry. This training is appropriate for those who manage or contract forestry work, review planting plans, issue permits, or inspect trees. The course focuses heavily on management, rather than the technical aspects of municipal forestry programs. Continue reading “Wisconsin Community Tree Management Institute”
Urban wood
Urban Forestry Consultant Directory – Annual Update
Last year, the format of the DNR’s Urban Forestry Consultants Directory was updated, creating two versions; one searchable by county served and the other, an abbreviated version with companies listed alphabetically. As the application period for the next round of Urban Forestry Grants is fast approaching, we are seeking updates and additions to the consultants directory. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Consultant Directory – Annual Update”
Urban training and events update
Please view our Urban Forestry Training and Events page. This webpage is constantly being updated, but we have recently added some events we would like to let you know about. Various levels of SAWW training will be offered at different locations in the coming months, be sure to pre-register. Additionally, Golden Sands RC&D Council is hosting a workshop on emerald ash borer management. Be sure to check out these and other trainings listed on our page.
For more information contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, at 608-267-2774.
Wisconsin Urban Wood signs Green Tier Charter

Twink Jan-McMahon and JD Smith signing the charter.
On a Friday in late April Wisconsin Urban Wood celebrated signing a Green Tier Charter. WUW is a network of independent business and nonprofit organizations that promotes the utilization of urban wood. The WUW Charter will provide increased value to Wisconsin by augmenting their current work and increasing collaboration. View the full press release.
New Tree City USA designees
Congratulations to Wisconsin’s newest Tree City USA designees – Gays Mills, Milton, Mukwonago, and Stratford. The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered in Wisconsin by the DNR, provides communities with a tangible goal and national recognition for their community forestry efforts.
Review 2017 WAA annual conference
Recently, the DNR Urban Forestry Program and the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) recently held the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With the theme “Healthy Benefits to Enriching Your Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Knowledge,” the conference was three full days of exhibits, presentations from experts across the world, and networking events and opportunities. There was record attendance this year, beating out last year’s record of 750. This year, the WAA offered a new Utility Track of presentations that allowed members to learn more about technologies in community forestry and other topics to help those who attended. Continue reading “Review 2017 WAA annual conference”
Are gravel beds right for your community?
Gravel beds, a way of holding bare root trees and extending the bare root planting season, have been growing in popularity, especially in the Midwest. Several municipalities and other organizations throughout Wisconsin have been utilizing gravel beds to plant more trees on tight budgets, diversify plantings, decrease labor and ensure sound, healthy root systems. Hudson and Racine are wonderful examples of the success of gravel beds. Continue reading “Are gravel beds right for your community?”
Innovative nurseries increase species selection
“Plant a tree to thrive, not to simply survive.” Dan Traas, Ranger Service, echoes the sentiment of most arborists and urban foresters’. There are numerous crucial steps in the tree planting process, location, soil type and temperature must all be considered. However, the species of tree chosen may be the utmost central consideration. Continue reading “Innovative nurseries increase species selection”
Tree champions lauded for community service
Five individuals and organizations earned recognition from the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council for their efforts to protect, preserve and increase the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. Continue reading “Tree champions lauded for community service”
Collecting your local Arbor Day stories
Arbor Day has a long tradition in Wisconsin. This historic holiday has been celebrated in Wisconsin since 1883, and continues to be celebrated here and around the world. Many communities combine their Arbor Day celebrations with Tree City USA anniversaries and related achievements. Tree City USA, a program through the Arbor Day Foundation, acknowledges the commitment of a community to its urban trees. In addition to Tree City USA materials to help create a local celebration, Wisconsin DNR Division of Forestry offers materials, games, activities, facts and more to support your community in planning the perfect Arbor Day celebration. Arbor Day is an important part of Wisconsin’s history and has always been celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm. Continue reading “Collecting your local Arbor Day stories”