In Celebration of Trees
Saturday, April 19, 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday, April 20, Noon to 4 pm
Special Event Fee $1 per person includes admission to both
Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center
This combination of Earth Day and Arbor Day is a fun and information-packed way to learn about trees and about living in harmony with nature. Bring your family for an adventure in Whitnall Park.
Get up close to the different kinds of trees in our area.
Measure them to find out how tall, how wide and how old they are.
You can even adopt your very own native shrub.
This combination of Earth Day and Arbor Day is a fun and information-packed way to learn about trees and about living in harmony with nature.
- Explore the trail between Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center.
- Pause to study “Tree Moments.”
- Play a part in ceremonial tree plantings throughout the weekend.
- Discover your carbon footprint.
- Learn about Emerald Ash Borer and view demonstrations by expert arborists and foresters.
- Get practical advice from UW-Extension horticulture educators.
- Enjoy a Saturday morning family bike ride through Whitnall.
- Make a work of art.
- Marvel as a chain saw sculptor creates a masterpiece.
This event will be held rain or shine!
- Free shuttle bus available between Boerner Botanical Gardens, the Maple/Ash Collection and Wehr Nature Center.
- Hiking trails are a combination of wood chipped paths and unpaved trails. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.
Saturday Schedule of Events
8 – 10 a.m.
Bird Hike
Join the Wehr Birders
9-10 a.m.
WISN Live Broadcast
Dr. Patti Nagai, University of Wisconsin-Extension Racine County Horticulture Educator, hosts The Yard & Garden Show sponsored by Stein Gardens & Gifts, live from In Celebration of Trees. Look for the WISN broadcast van in front of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens
10 a.m. – Noon
Whitnall Park Bike Ride
Join a naturalist for a guided family bike ride. Pre-registration is required. Call 414-425-8550 for more information. Leaves from Wehr Nature Center.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arbor Day Information Fair
Stop by the Shrub Mall and the Perennial Gardens at Boerner Botanical Gardens to learn more about trees and tree services, environmental groups and service organizations.
10a.m. – 4 p.m.
Plant Health Advisors
Bring your yard and garden questions to the Master Gardener Volunteers in the UW-Extension Horticulture Center located in the Lower Level of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Learning Level Expo
Learn more about invasive species, soil testing, proper tree planting and pruning techniques and more from displays in the Lower Level of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tree Stories
If your children say “read me a story”, bring them to the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens Library in the Lower Level of the Education & Visitor Center. Expert storytellers will read from children’s book especially chosen for this occasion.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tree Moments Trail
Take a self-guided hike along a trail linking Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center. At stops along the way, you’ll learn intreeguing information. The trail starts beyond Boerner’s Rose Garden and at the Maple/Ash Collection on W. College Avenue.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tree Discovery Tents
Learn fun facts about trees through games and activities. Get an expert update on the status of Emerald Ash Borer. Find out how close is it to our area and what to do when it gets here. Enjoy this and more in the beauty of the Maple/Ash Collection between Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center off of W. College Avenue.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Adopt A Native Shrub
While supplies last, you can adopt a native shrub to take home—if you promise to take good care of it. We’ll show you how at the Adoption Centers at Wehr Nature Center and in the gazebo at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Family Activities at Wehr Nature Center
Plant a tree from seed, discover your carbon footprint, ride the energy bicycle, make paper, see live animals, have your face painted and enjoy story time and crafts in the tots area.
10-10:30 a.m.
Proper Planting for Healthy Trees and Shrubs
Dr. Laura Jull, Woody Ornamental Extension Specialist, Associate Professor UW-Madison
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
10:15 a.m.
Chainsaw Art
Watch Scott Chase of Wisconsin Timbersmiths use a chainsaw to sculpt a work of art.
North and West of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Sponsored by Acme Irrigation and Trees on the Move. (See the chain saw sculptor again at 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.)
10:30 a.m.
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Enjoy the talented young musicians from The Magnificent Performing Strings. Hear musicians from 1st grade through high school perform under the direction of David J.E. Kotlewski, orchestra director at Washington Middle School in Kenosha. Help plant the Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica ‘Expresso’)donated by American Tree Experts in front of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
10:30 – 11 a.m.
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Emerald Ash Borer
P.J. Liesch, Research Assistant, UW-Madison
Rosarian Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
11 – 11:30 a.m.
What Are Worms Doing in Your Woodland?
Mark Verhagen, Natural Areas Management Specialist, UW-Extension
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
11:30 a.m.
Chainsaw Art
North and West of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
11:30 – Noon
Invasive Species Hike
Mark Verhagen, Natural Areas Management Specialist, UW-Extension
Leave from the front door of the Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
Noon
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Join Boy Scouts from the Root River District of the Milwaukee County Council in a brief reading, color guard and invocation. Help plant the Tilia x flavescens ‘Glenleven’ donated by McKay Nursery in the parking lot in front of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Guided Nature Hike from Boerner Botanical Gardens to Wehr Nature Center
Naturalists will help you discover the wonders along the way.
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Nature Art Projects
Artists Working in Education (AWE) will assist children in creating a take-home tree out of recyclable materials and in making a painting by breathing life into a forest. Located West of the Rose Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
12:45
Chainsaw Art
North and West of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
1-1:30 p.m.
Proper Pruning for Healthy Trees
Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture Agent, Milwaukee County UW-Extension
Rosarian Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1 – 1:30
Landscaping for Wildlife
Mariette Nowak, author & former Wehr Nature Center Director
Wehr Nature Center
1 – 1:30 p.m.
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Emerald Ash Borer
P.J. Liesch, Research Assistant, UW-Madison
Rosarian Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1- 2 p.m.
Wildflower Hike
Discover woodland wildflowers with the help of a naturalist. Start at Wehr Nature Center.
1-2 p.m. and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Native Tree & Shrub Walk
Join Mike Wendt, Arboriculture Instructor at MATC
Leave from the front door of the Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens.
1:30 – 2 p.m.
Choosing Trees for Spring Bloom
Dr. Laura Jull, Woody Ornamental Extension Specialist, Associate Professor UW-Madison
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1:30 – 2 p.m.
Proper Pruning Demonstration
Ann Wied, Consumer Horticulture Educator, Waukesha County UW-Extension
Meet at front door of Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
2 – 2:30 p.m.
Diseases that Ruin Our Evergreens: Prevention & Protection
Dr. Patti Nagai, Horticulture Educator, Racine County UW-Extension
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens
2 p.m.
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Join local Girl Scouts in a brief program before planting an English Oak tree (Quercus robur ‘Regal Prince’) donated by Beaver Creek Nursery in the parking lot in front of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Hales Corners Village President Robert Ruesch will welcome everyone.
2 p.m.
Chainsaw Art
North and West of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
2-3:30 p.m.
Guided nature hike from Wehr Nature Center to Boerner Botanical Gardens
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Native Tree & Shrub Walk
Mike Wendt, Arboriculture Instructor at MATC
Leave from the front door of the Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
3 p.m.
Chainsaw Art
North and West of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
3-3:30 p.m.
Alternatives to Ash Trees
Dr. Laura Jull, Woody Ornamental Extension Specialist, Associate Professor UW-Madison
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
3-3:30 p.m.
Choosing Shrubs for Year Round Interest
Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture Agent, Milwaukee County UW-Extension
Rosarian Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
3 – 4 p.m.
Ephemeral Pond Hike
Naturalist-led hike leaves from Wehr Nature Center.
3:30 - 4 p.m.
Shrub Identification Walk
Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture Agent, Milwaukee County UW-Extension
Leave from front door of Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
3:30
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Join Milwaukee County 4-H in a brief ceremony before planting the Maakia amurensis ‘Stardust’ donated by Johnson’s Nursery. Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor will welcome everyone.
Sunday Schedule of Events
Noon – 4 p.m.
Arbor Day Information Fair
Stop by the Shrub Mall and the Perennial Gardens at Boerner Botanical Gardens to learn more about trees and tree services, environmental groups and service organizations.
10a.m. – 4 p.m.
Plant Health Advisors
Bring your yard and garden questions to the Master Gardener Volunteers in the UW-Extension Horticulture Center located in the Lower Level of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Learning Level Expo
Learn more about invasive species, soil testing, proper tree planting and pruning techniques and more from displays in the Lower Level of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Tree Moments Trail
Take a self-guided hike along a trail linking Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center. At stops along the way, you’ll learn intreeguing information. The trail starts beyond Boerner’s Rose Garden and at the Maple/Ash Collection on W. College Avenue.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Tree Discovery Tents
Learn fun facts about trees through games and activities. Get an expert update on the status of Emerald Ash Borer. Find out how close is it to our area and what to do when it gets here. Enjoy this and more in the beauty of the Maple/Ash Collection between Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center off of W. College Avenue.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Adopt A Native Shrub
While supplies last, you can adopt a native shrub to take home—if you promise to take good care of it. We’ll show you how at the Adoption Centers at Wehr Nature Center and in the gazebo at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Family Activities at Wehr Nature Center
Plant a tree from seed, discover your carbon footprint, ride the energy bicycle, make paper, see live animals, have your face painted and enjoy story time and crafts in the tots area.
Noon
Tree Planting Ceremony
Join David Granados (Eight Eagles) for a Native American ceremony that includes drumming, singing and smudging. This special ceremony honors the Cladrastis kentuckea donated by Leaf Land Garden Center and Design. The ceremony will take place west of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Eloisa Gomez, Director of the Milwaukee County UW-Extension will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Noon – 12:30 p.m.
Choosing Trees for Spring
Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture Agent, Milwaukee County UW-Extension
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
12:30 – 2 p.m.
Hike from Boerner Botanical Gardens to Wehr Nature Center
Naturalist-led hike leaves from the front door of Boerner Botanical Gardens.
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Nature Art Projects
Artists Working in Education (AWE) will assist children in creating a work of art to take home. Located West of the Rose Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
12:30
Chainsaw Art
Watch Scott Chase of Wisconsin Timbersmiths use a chainsaw to sculpt a work of art.
North and West of the Education & Visitor Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Sponsored by Acme Irrigation and Trees on the Move.
(See the chain saw sculptor again at 1:45. and 3 p.m.).
12:30 – 1 p.m.
Choosing Trees for Color
Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture Agent, Milwaukee County UW-Extension
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1- 1:30 p.m.
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know about Emerald Ash Borer
Kristin Krokowski, Commercial Horticulture Educator, Waukesha County UW-Extension
Grandparents Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1 – 1:30
Care and Culture of Conifers
Barbara Larson, Horticulture Educator, Kenosha County UW-Extension
Multi Media Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1 – 2 p.m.
Wildflower Hike
Naturalist-led walk leaves from Wehr Nature Center.
1:30 – 2 p.m.
Conifer Identification Walk
Barbara Larson, Horticulture Educator, Kenosha County UW-Extension
Leaves from front door of Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
1:30 – 2 p.m.
Landscaping for Wildlife
Mariette Nowak, author and former Wehr Nature Center Director
Rosarian Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
2 p.m.
Tree Planting Ceremony
Join Greenfield Alderperson Shirley Saryan to plant the Parrotia persica donated by Silver Creek Nurseries. The ceremony will be west of the Education & Visitor Center.
2 – 2:30 p.m.
Diseases that Ruin Our Evergreens: Prevention & Protection
Dr. Patti Nagai, Horticulture Educator, Racine County UW-Extension
Grandparents Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
2 – 2:30 p.m.
Selecting the Right Tree for the Right Place
Mike Maddox, Horticulture Educator, Rock County UW-Extension
Rosarian Room, Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
2:30 – 3 p.m.
Identifying Trees by Form, Bark, Buds…
Mike Maddox, Horticulture Educator, Rock County UW-Extension
Walk leaves from front door of Education & Visitor Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Hike from Wehr Nature Center to Boerner Botanical Gardens
Naturalist-led walk leaves from front of Wehr Nature Center Building.
2:30 – 3 p.m.
Champion Trees of Whitnall Park
Ruth Marshall, Southeast Wisconsin Master Gardener Volunteer
Multi Media Center
3 – 4 p.m.
Ephemeral Pond Hike
Naturalist-led walk leaves from front of Wehr Nature Center Building.
Arbor Day Information Fair
We’d like to thank the following companies for contributing their information and expertise to the Arbor Day Information Fair. Be sure to stop by their booths in the Shrub Mall and the Perennial Gardens at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
- Affordable Tree Care
- American Tree Experts
- Arbor Glen Nursery
- Boerner Botanical Gardens Horticulture Staff
- Buckley Tree Service
- Cassity Tree Service
- Diggers Hotline
- Eder Nursery
- Four Seasons Landscape
- Gardening Angels Landscape Consultants
- Hoppe Tree Service
- Johnson’s Nursery
- Milwaukee County 4-H
- Lammscapes
- Park People of Milwaukee County
- Samuelsen Tree Consultants
- Sanborn’s Tree Service
- Sierra Club
Thank you…
…to the companies who generously sponsored the Chain saw Art by Wisconsin Timbersmiths:
Acme Irrigation and Trees on the Move
…to the companies who donated trees for ceremonial plantings
American Tree Experts
Beaver Creek Nursery, Inc.
Johnson’s Nursery
Leaf Land Garden Center & Design
McKay Nursery
Silver Creek Nurseries
…to the many employees and volunteers of our organizations whose countless hours and boundless enthusiasm made this event possible.
Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens
Friends of Wehr Nature Center
Milwaukee County Parks
University of Wisconsin-Extension
…to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Program for providing an Urban Forestry Grant to fund, in part, this Celebration of Trees.
This event is funded in part by an Urban Forestry Grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Program as authorized under s.23.097, Wis. Stat.
