The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages and protects the state’s natural resources, including forests, parks, wildlife, water, and air quality. They oversee conservation efforts, enforce environmental laws, and support outdoor recreation. Chali Pittman / Civic Media
Source: Chali Pittman / Civic Media
A major milestone in the state's environmental conservation efforts
Oct 12, 2026, 2:40 PM ET
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a major milestone in the state's environmental conservation efforts: the planting of the 50 millionth tree under Wisconsin’s Trillion Trees Pledge. Launched by Gov. Evers in 2021, the ambitious statewide initiative commits Wisconsin to planting 100 million trees by 2030, protecting at least 125,000 acres of forestland, and adding one million trees in urban communities.
As part of a larger global movement, the pledge seeks to implement nature-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of changing precipitation and temperature patterns in the region. By the end of 2025, Wisconsin had already reached over 54.7 million planted trees—nearly 55 percent of its ultimate goal. This achievement stems from broad collaboration among municipalities, schools, corporations, non-profit organizations, agency partners, forest landowners, and individual residents across the state.
Tree seedlings serve vital ecological functions by establishing healthy forests that store carbon, filter water supplies, support local wildlife, and bolster the natural economy. Furthermore, expanding tree canopy helps shield communities from climate challenges like extreme heat and heavy rainfall events. To maintain this momentum, the DNR's Reforestation Program has opened seed ordering for the spring 2027 planting season, allowing residents and organizations to record their contributions on the official Wisconsin tree planting map.
There are many ways for Wisconsin residents to support local forest health and contribute to the pledge. Individuals can collect and sell tree seeds to state nurseries, care for neighborhood trees, support local and federal tree-funding initiatives, or help fourth-grade classrooms participate in seedling giveaway programs. Additionally, choosing Wisconsin-grown wood products and participating in landowner support networks—such as the DNR’s Forest Landowners Programs, the UW-Madison Division of Extension Forestry Programs, or the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s My Wisconsin Woods initiative—helps ensure the long-term resilience of Wisconsin's natural landscape.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
