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.

• Apply for Michigan Invasive Species Program grants
• AREA program to provide student conference grants
• Hit the trail during Michigan's Trails Week Challenge
• Get involved: DNR volunteering and public comment
• Workshops and conferences
• Nonprofit spotlight: AORE
• In the news
• Webinars
• Science
• Funding

Apply for Michigan Invasive Species Program grants

Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2021 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants.

The program – a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development – is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan.

Learn more from a recent press release and submit proposals by Nov. 1. 

AREA program to provide student conference grants

The Arboricultural Research and Education Academy (AREA) is providing student travel grants to the Annual ISA International Conference and Trade Show, taking place Dec. 13-16. The conference and trade show offers students opportunities to network with industry professionals, learn about new topics and technology and meet fellow arboriculture students from around the world. Grant winners will be required to submit a writeup, letter of support and give a 10-minute presentation during an AREA session at the conference.  Learn more and apply for a student travel grant.

Hit the trail during Michigan's Trails Week Challenge

Whether you run, hike, ride or paddle, every mile counts during Michigan Trails Week. It's the perfect time to hit your favorite trail or find an all new adventure. During Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 19-26, join us to collectively travel 100,000 miles on trails across the state and earn badges (and maybe some prizes) along the way. Learn more and join the challenge. 

Get involved: DNR volunteering and public comment

Love the outdoors? Get involved by volunteering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to restore natural areas in state parks, provide input on state forest management, plant trees and prairie plants or watch webinars to learn about invasive species. Read the latest Get Involved newsletter.

Workshops and conferences

Sept. 8: Urban Tree Summit 2021

Sept. 10: Aerial lift and operation training

Sept. 15-16: 2021 ISA-Michigan fall conference

Sept. 17-19: Michigan Tree Climbing Championship

Sept. 24: Chainsaw safety, maintenance and tree felling

Sept. 29-Oct. 1: America in Bloom

Oct. 12-14: Nature & Health 2021 conference

Nonprofit spotlight: AORE

The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education is an organization that serves the needs of recreation and education professionals in nonprofit organizations. AORE focuses on providing professional development and career advancement opportunities to grow industry leaders and connect people to the outdoors.  Learn more about AORE.

In the news

• Experts weigh in on the viral “botanical sexism” theory

• Where America’s developed areas are growing: "Way off into the horizon"

• Trees removed for apartment complex return as custom woodwork

• The do's and don'ts of tree planting initiatives, if you're trying to help the environment

• City committee agrees to take a stand to protect, preserve trees in Edmonton's public spaces

• Why Syracuse is spending stimulus money on its urban forest

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