The LEAFlet: Fourth Grade Arbor Day Free Tree Program

Fourth Grade Arbor Day Free Tree Program

School Forest Seedlings Now Available!

Now is the time to place your tree seedling orders through the DNR Nursery. You can order seedlings until March 15, 2022. That may seem like a long way off, but spring and Arbor Day will arrive before you know it. Popular species of trees go fast. If you desire to plant a certain type of tree, get your order in early. Once they are gone, they are gone!

Did you know that according to state statute, every 4th-grade class can order free tree seedlings from the DNR? Information and the order form for the Fourth Grade Arbor Day Free Tree Program can be found here.

Follow these steps to place your SCHOOL FOREST seedling order:

• Do your research first. Our school forest landscapes for planting are very diverse. Consult your management plan and DNR forester to find out which species of trees are most suitable for your property. Available seedling types and descriptions can be found in the Nursery Seedling Catalog and DNR's tree and shrub inventory. The catalog does a great job explaining the growing requirements, and also provides pictures and a distribution map of each species.

• Once you have decided which species to plant at your school forest, fill out either the online form or the paper form. You will see the section "4. Free Order"...choose Registered School Forest. One thing to note: school forests do not need to order the "bulk" amount of trees. You may order less than the "minimum requirements" listed; however, there is a maximum number of trees school forests can receive. The maximum is 5,000 trees and 3,000 shrubs. If you have any questions, please email Carey Skerven at carey.skerven@wisconsin.gov or call 715-424-3700 or contact your local WDNR forester.

“Trees provide a variety of benefits to both people and the planet. They give off oxygen, trap carbon dioxide, feed and provide shelter for furry forest creatures and provide materials to build a variety of essential household items,” said Heather Berklund, DNR Chief State Forester. “This program enables us to bring forest education directly to the hands of students and teach them about the importance of trees and of managing and restoring our forests.”

Learn More

LEAF 2021 School Forest Awards

Call for Nominations!

Celebrate your School Forest Champion! Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 School Forest Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have provided leadership for local school forests registered through Wisconsin's School Forest Program. LEAF (Wisconsin's K-12 Forestry Education Program) will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to a school forest program(s) over a period of years. To nominate a candidate, complete the requirements listed on the nomination form. Awards will be presented in the spring at a time arranged within the honoree’s local school district or community.

Nomination deadline is January 28, 2022

Learn More

Nomination Form

Join the 2020 School Forest Award Winners

Patrick Lyons

Boston School Forest

Mr. James Kersten

Lakeview Elementary

Community School

LEAF Resources

Have questions or need additional resources? Contact us at leaf@uwsp.edu. We are here to support educators and students with forestry opportunities.

Workshops

Trunks & Kits

Curriculum

Published for November 2021