Wisconsin's urban green spaces have gained significant recognition as the City of Wauwatosa receives high praise for its innovative approach to urban forestry. Recent announcements by the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council, published on the city's official website, highlighted several individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the urban landscape. "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, at the 2025 Wisconsin Arborist Association/DNR Urban Forestry Conference.
In a pioneering effort to both inform and engage the public, Alex Krutsch and the Wauwatosa Forestry Department have been given the Innovation Award for the Tosa Tree Dashboard and virtual tree tour. All details, facts, and maintenance history are available to users with a click, updated in real time directly from the field. To truly appreciate the species that populate Wauwatosa's public spaces, one can simply embark on the virtual tree tour, which provides high-quality photos and information from multiple perspectives.
The celebration of green initiatives didn't stop there. Other winners in various categories also deserve a mention. Thom Berres in Sussex bagged the Species Diversity Award, while Jay Weiss of the Village of Cambridge was honored with the Leadership Award for his transformative work. Mark Freberg, alongside Michael Yanny, were rightfully acknowledged with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their enduring contributions. Komatsu and Milwaukee Parks Foundation were lauded for their collaborative efforts, netting the Project Partnership Award. Lastly, the Next Gen Award was presented to Willow River Company for their commitment to nurturing future talent through the annual Build by Future trade show.
