Wisconsin Tree Leaders Recognized For Exceptional Community Service

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council advises the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on managing urban and community forest resources.

“Each year, these awards remind me of how special the people are in our industry and the numerous accomplishments they fulfill,” said Lee Fredericks, Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Award Committee Chair. “Whether they are taking on projects to expand their leadership, involving the next generation of arborists or advancing species diversity in the urban forest canopy, the state as a whole truly benefits.”

This year’s recipients were announced at the 2025 Wisconsin Arborist Association/DNR Urban Forestry Conference in Green Bay. The categories and winners are:

Species Diversity

The key to a healthy and resilient urban forest is species diversity. The Species Diversity award recognizes individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of species diversity through projects, outreach and other activities.

• This award recognizes Thom Berres’ proactive efforts in promoting tree diversity in Sussex. One example of his creative approach is the Sussex Village Park Tree Hike he created for Arbor Day, which highlights 25 different tree species. He continues to expand his knowledge and collaborate with others, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the DNR. By actively involving the public and implementing innovative strategies, he has successfully raised awareness about the importance of tree diversity and its positive impacts on the ecosystem.

Leadership

The Leadership Award 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.

• Jay Weiss received the leadership award for his work with the village of Cambridge. In 2006, Jay formed the Cambridge Tree Project, which has held annual tree sales every year since, and the proceeds have established 1,150 additional living trees on public property. All trees donated through the Tree Project are monitored annually through the Cambridge Tree Trials, a research-based initiative that tracks growth and survival rates, along with 60 additional variables, to assess urban tree performance. His partnership with the village of Cambridge has created the most diverse community forest in Wisconsin, with 190 species of trees now represented. He continues to inspire others through his annual Tree Trials updates, presentations on tree diversity and longevity and his involvement with the Dane County Tree Board.

Lifetime Achievement

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding contributions to urban forestry in Wisconsin demonstrated throughout a lifetime career.

• Mark Freberg served in the Green Bay Forestry Division for 35 years, his last 20 as City Forester. During his distinguished career, 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. His community-minded outlook and 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.
• Michael Yanny also received the Lifetime Achievement Award. “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,” he said. He 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 ecosystem. His positive influence has spread far and wide and will impact future generations.

Innovation

The Innovation Award recognizes the creativity, commitment and success of urban forestry efforts.

• 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.

Project Partnership

The Project Partnership Award recognizes outstanding projects that utilize partnerships as a means of providing services or benefits to the urban forest.

• 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.

Next Gen

The Next Gen Award 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.

• Daniel Heth and the Willow River Company have 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.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council annual awards, see previous winners and submit a nomination. The deadline for 2026 nominees is Oct. 31, 2025.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.