This weekly newsletter contains information related to urban forestry and arboriculture training, research, jobs, and funding in Michigan, nationally and internationally. If you know of an event or opportunity that may be of interest to our partners, please email program coordinator Kevin Sayers.

• DNR announces Community Forestry grant opportunity
• New 'Not MI Species' webinar sessions announced
• Homeowners with boxwood shrubs needed for study
• Workshops and conferences
• In the news
• Webinars
• Resources
• Jobs

DNR announces Community Forestry grant opportunity

Communities have an opportunity to support their green spaces, parks and trees with grants from the Department of Natural Resources' Urban and Community Forestry program. 

The program provides resources for improved tree management and community connections to forests through inventory projects, Arbor Day celebrations, tree care outreach, urban forestry technology and more. Applications are due Sept. 17.

An Aug. 10 informational webinar sharing tips for a successful grant application will be hosted by nonprofit ReLeaf Michigan and the Davey Resource Group, Inc. 

New 'Not MI Species' webinar sessions announced

New online sessions in the popular Not MI Species webinar series have been announced to share information on how to identify, report and prevent invasive species in Michigan. "Fowl Play" in September will explore Michigan's managed waterfowl areas, and "Just Do It!" in October will share information about state park stewardship workdays. See the full series lineup and sign up for webinars. 

Homeowners with boxwood shrubs needed for study

Extensive feeding damage from the box tree moth. Photo courtesy of Ferenc Lakatos, University of Sopron, Bugwood.org.

Do you live in Michigan and have new boxwood shrubs on your property? Scientists need your help!

Homeowners who purchased boxwoods in 2020 and 2021 are being asked if they are willing to host traps in their yards to collect any potential box tree moths, an invasive species that has not yet been detected in our state but could potentially be brought here by imported plants. 

According to Michigan State University, the box tree moth was accidentally introduced in 2007 in Germany and since then has destroyed an estimated 75% of boxwood shrubs in Europe.

Learn more about the box tree moth and how to participate in the study. 

Workshops and conferences

Aug. 31: Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association and Dr. Schutzki's Plant Academy

Sept. 15-16: 2021 ISA-Michigan Fall Conference

Sept. 17-19: Michigan Tree Climbing Championship

Sept. 29-Oct. 1: America in Bloom Symposium

In the news

• Madrid building a huge urban forest in a bid to combat climate change

• Angry residents say Washington D.C. ignored obvious signs that could have prevented tree disaster

• Without protection from the city, Evanston, Illinois oak trees on private property are in danger

• Yes, Modesto, California trees are a problem. City reveals its plans to address them

• Everybody has a tree story – Interview with Los Angeles city forestry officer

• Trees save lives in heat waves: Why aren't we saving more?

• Opinion: Province should protect tree canopy

News articles, workshops, webinars and other information from outside DNR in this publication are provided for informational purposes and are not endorsements.