Urban Forests_Content Page_Awards

Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Annual Awards

Award Categories

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council presents annual awards to outstanding individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin. The awards are announced each year at the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference and presented to winners in their community.

There are six categories of awards:

  1. Species Diversity recognizes individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of species diversity through projects, outreach and other activities.
  2. Next Gen recognizes an organization or individual working to inspire and educate the next generation of citizens engaged with their urban forests through projects, activities and a variety of additional contributions. These inspiring adults will support the future growth and development of the field by encouraging these youth to become the next generation of urban forestry professionals and its supporters. Eligible programs engage youth through age 18.
  3. Project Partnership recognizes outstanding projects that utilize partnerships as a means of providing services or benefits to the urban forest.
  4. Lifetime Achievement recognizes outstanding contributions to urban forestry in Wisconsin demonstrated throughout a lifetime career.
  5. Innovations in Urban Forestry recognizes a community, individual, association or organization exhibiting outstanding innovations in the development or enhancement of an urban forestry project or program. This award recognizes the creativity, commitment and success of urban forestry efforts.
  6. Leadership recognizes an individual or elected official at the county or local level of government who has made an outstanding recent contribution to urban forestry in Wisconsin. This could be a mayor, alderman, county executive or citizen who has gone above and beyond in their support. Wisconsin State Legislators who have made outstanding contributions to urban forestry will also be considered after they have completed their terms of office.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the 2026 awards must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2025.

Complete the online nomination form.

For additional information, please contact a Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council member or regional urban forestry coordinator.

2025 awards

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council presents annual awards to outstanding individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin. The awards are announced each year at the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference and presented to winners in their local communities.

Species Diversity

Award winner: Thom Berres

A man with a white beard

 

Thom Berres’ proactive efforts in promoting tree diversity in Sussex have made significant strides in enhancing the community's environmental sustainability. One example of his creative approach is the Sussex Village Park Tree Hike he created for Arbor Day which highlights 25 different tree species. Thom also continues to expand his knowledge and collaborate with others such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the DNR. By actively involving the public and implementing innovative strategies, Thom Berres has successfully raised awareness about the importance of tree diversity and its positive impacts on the ecosystem. 

Leadership

Award winner: Jay Weiss

a man holding a dog

 

Jay Weiss received the leadership award for his work in the Village of Cambridge. The seeds were planted which would grow into the Cambridge Tree Project when he began holding an annual tree sale in 2006 and used the proceeds to donate trees to the village. The Cambridge Tree Project continues to expand and has resulted in one of the most diverse public tree canopies in Wisconsin. Jay continues to inspire others through his leadership on the Dane County Tree Board and by sharing his   knowledge through presentations and providing guidance to others throughout the urban forestry community.

Lifetime Achievement

Award winner: Michael Yanny

a man with a mustache

 

Mike Yanny stated, “Whatever we can do as horticulture professionals, naturalists, or educators, things such as teaching, playing, and providing natural play areas will, in my opinion, give us more ‘plant people’ in the future.” Mike truly practices what he preaches. His visionary approach includes propagating species that will thrive in the changing Wisconsin environment, mentoring the next generation of green industry professionals, bringing people together to work on common goals, and teaching kids and adults the importance of being part of a well-functioning eco-system. Mike’s positive influence has spread far and wide and will impact future generations.

Lifetime Achievement

Award winner: Mark Freberg

a man with hands raised in the air

 

Mark Freberg served as the City Forester of Green Bay for 35 years during which he held several leadership positions including with the WAA and Urban Forestry Council. He has been on the forefront of promoting species diversity, combating invasives, and community involvement. Mark’s community-minded outlook and his proactive approach put the Green Bay Forestry Division in a position to be able to respond quickly to threats to the canopy, as well as expand the benefits to residents. 

Project Partnership

Award winner: Komatsu & Milwaukee Parks Foundation

men and women planting trees

 

Komatsu and Milwaukee Parks Foundation were recognized for their partnership which began in 2023 resulting in an annual Earth Day volunteer event rotating between parks with the most need. This event incorporates tree planting, education and area park history. Komatsu staff have expressed that they have gained as much as they have given and appreciate learning about proper tree planting and care. 

Innovations in Urban Forestry

Award winner: Wauwatosa Forestry Department

Wauwatosa forestry department staff standing in a group

 

This award recognizes Alex Krutsch and the Wauwatosa Forestry Department for their innovative efforts to engage 
the community through the Tosa Tree Dashboard and virtual tree tour. The dashboard is updated in real time from the field and allows users to click on any tree where details, facts, and the maintenance history will be displayed. The virtual tree tour includes information and high-quality photos from different perspectives detailing the tree species in public spaces. The Wauwatosa Forestry Department is setting an example for other communities of how to be proactive and engage the public in new and interesting ways. 

Next Gen

Award winner: Willow River Company

Willow River Company staff standing in a group

 

Willow River has been engaging high school students at the annual Build My Future trade show through the St. Croix Builders’ Association since 2021. These students are getting a unique insight into urban forestry careers while climbing trees and talking to tree care staff. Through this event, they have interacted with over 4,000 students, making this one of the most effective means of exposing youth to urban forestry careers. With this award, we recognize Willow River’s efforts to support the growth and development of the field by encouraging youth to become the next generation of urban forestry professionals.

Past Recipients

Award recipients from previous years