Watertown, WI, February 26, 2026 — The City of Watertown has been awarded a $25,000 Urban Forestry Grant for 2026 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The funding will support efforts to strengthen the community’s tree canopy, improve long-term tree health, and expand environmental benefits throughout the city.
Since 2013, the City of Watertown has received nearly $300,000 in Urban Forestry grant funding from the DNR, supporting ongoing investment in the community’s urban forest.
The 2026 grant will fund several initiatives focused on tree diversity and canopy coverage, including:
Planting 75 new trees along major roadways throughout Watertown
Treating 53 public ash trees through injections to protect them from Emerald Ash Borer damage
Right Tree, Right Spot Program: A free giveaway of 50 trees to residents for planting on private property
Structural pruning of young trees to promote safe growth and long-term stability
The DNR Urban Forestry Grant Program supports projects that increase tree canopy, improve resilience to pests and disease, and strengthen local capacity to manage community forests. Nearly $550,000 was awarded statewide this year across 38 selected projects.
Urban trees provide measurable benefits to communities — including improved air and water quality, reduced urban heat, stormwater management, and enhanced neighborhood livability.
Watertown’s grant-funded projects will begin in 2026, with more information about the residential tree giveaway program to be announced at a later date.