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.

• New economics report shows the value of urban trees
• MSU Extension says to expect lots of fall cones and acorns
• Watch and discuss nature-based education films and take the next steps to become a Tree Campus K-12 school
• Three easy ways to deal with fall leaves
• Deadline today: ISA seeks board of directors nominees
• Workshops and conferences
• In the news
• Webinars
• Jobs
• Funding

New economics report shows the value of urban trees

A first-of-its-kind study quantifies the value of urban forests to communities, the economy and everyday life, including $75 billion in annual environmental benefits. The study, conducted by university researchers in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation and USDA Forest Service, shares national and statewide data. Read more about the economic study. 

MSU Extension says to expect lots of fall cones and acorns

Homeowners are experiencing a deluge of pine cones, walnuts and acorns this fall in an event known as a "mast year." Michigan State University Extension staff note that stresses from periods of little rain in 2020 triggered tree flowering, resulting in heavy crops for 2021. These high-nutrition foods are expected to give a boost to deer, squirrels, turkeys and other wildlife. Read a MSU Extension article for more information. 

Watch and discuss nature-based education films and take the next steps to become a Tree Campus K-12 school

Nature-based education, where the classroom meets science and the outdoors, will make its way to your screen at the end of this month. Join virtual screenings of two short documentaries and participate in Q&A sessions to learn more about the benefits of nature for kids. 

• Turning School Inside Out – Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
• The Best Day Ever – Tuesday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.

Want to add more nature to your school? Become a certified Tree Campus.

Three easy ways to deal with fall leaves

What's your fall leaf strategy – compost them, burn them or simply "leaf" them alone? Leaves can serve as fertilizer or free mulch and are important habitat for many kinds of wildlife. Check out a few different ways to take care of fallen leaves, including fire safety tips. 

Deadline today: ISA seeks board of directors nominees

The International Society of Arboriculture is seeking qualified candidates to join its board of directors by Oct. 15, 2021. Four open director positions will become open in August 2022. ISA members can nominate any current member in good standing for board service. Nominate a board of directors candidate.

Workshops and conferences

Oct. 15-22: Community Forestry Institute webinar series

Oct. 18-19: Pesticide Credit Clinic

Oct. 18-20: SHIFT Summit 2021: Ensuring access to nature

Oct. 26-27: Pesticide Credit Clinic

Oct. 26-28: Trees & Utilities Conference

Oct. 27: Ohio DNR virtual pruning training and hands-on workshops

In the news

• Detroit developer says trees are key in "Core City" projects, and embraces the space
• Who is going to plant all those trees? Thune's bill addresses multi-year tree planting backlog
• Study: Trees have $31.5 billion impact on home values each year

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