By Sherry Stanek, chair
Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission

Whitewater’s effort at developing an arboretum in Whitewater, which is a living classroom that explains the importance of trees to all of us, and importantly, OUR importance to them, is making steady progress! After receiving national recognition and certification as an Arboretum in 2021, the 2022 DNR Urban Forestry Grant was approved to begin planting trees in earnest. This part of the work has been completed with the planting of more than 200 trees and shrubs at Starin Park, and Whitewater has been approved by the DNR to now receive the $25,000 reimbursement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources!

This project, undertaken largely by community volunteers with strong support and contributions from the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department and the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Department and especially Public Works staff, was launched in early spring 2022. The $25,000 reimbursement from the DNR reflects the department’s share of developmental costs. Part of the grant required native trees to also be planted on private property. This was accomplished by the establishment of the annual Whitewater Community Tree Sale which will be held this year on April 26 from 11-6, April 27 from 8 to 4 and on April 28 from noon to 4. As a result of this work, more than 500 native trees have been planted throughout the park and wider community in the last couple of years!!

This project was also generously supported by local businesses and individual donors, including the Coburn family’s donation to erect educational signage in the arboretum. The first of these signs are now installed in the Generac Welcome and Education Center pavilion on Starin Road. These signs need to be seen in person to truly appreciate how beautiful they are, and how much information is located on them. We are very grateful to the Coburn family for making them a reality! They provide a beautiful and informative entry point to the Arboretum at Starin Park. More signage will follow in the months and years to come.

This effort is primarily volunteer supported. Individuals who may be interested in joining us are encouraged to contact the city Parks and Recreation Department’s Director Kevin Boehm at 262-473-0122. Cash contributions are always needed as are volunteers interested in watering and weeding to maintain the planting beds and to work at the annual Tree Sale. Cash contributions are managed by City of Whitewater staff and 100% of your contribution goes toward Arboretum development efforts. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission which meets on the 4th Monday of each month at City Hall at 4:30 p.m. If this interests you, please go to the City website to apply electronically. We’re looking forward to meeting you!