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Urban Forestry Commission
Created pursuant to Chapter 2.52 of the Municipal Code, the Commission is established as a permanent committee of the Park and Recreation Board. The Commission makes recommendations to the City Forester and Parks & Recreation Board concerning the care of city trees and shrubs planted in the right-of-way of all streets or highways or in any park or other public areas of the city.
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The Commission consists of five citizen members, each serving three-year terms, staggered annually. One member of the Plan and Architectural Review Commission and one member of the Park and Recreation Board shall be appointed to the Urban Forestry Commission. In addition, the City Forester or his/her designee shall serve as the nonvoting staff liaison to the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission.
Committee Members
Parks & Recreation Board Representative
VACANT
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PARC Representative
Marjorie Stoneman
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Citizen Member
Nicholas Alt
Bill Chandler
Sherry Stanek
Joshua Kapfer
Kerry Katovich
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Alternate- Citizen Member
VACANT
Whitewater Urban Forestry
Whitewater Urban Forestry is dedicated to strengthening the connection between people and nature by supporting the growth of native trees and protecting local bird populations.
Growing a Healthier Urban Forest
Each Arbor Day weekend, the Urban Forestry Committee (UFC) hosts a native tree sale, offering trees to the community at cost. Thanks to this annual event, Whitewater now ranks among the top five cities in Wisconsin for tree diversity. Beyond tree sales, the UFC helps care for the living collection at the Arboretum in Starin Park, where an educational welcome shelter—generously donated by Generac—greets visitors and shares the story of Whitewater’s urban forest.
Supporting Native Birds
Urban forestry is about more than just trees—it’s about the wildlife that depends on them. The UFC supports local bird populations by maintaining three Purple Martin houses and hosting Swift Night Out, a community gathering where residents watch hundreds of Chimney Swifts spiral into the Whitewater Middle School chimney at dusk.
Recognized as Tree City & Bird City
Through these efforts, Whitewater has proudly earned the dual recognition of Tree City USA and Bird City Wisconsin, honors that reflect a deep commitment to conservation and sustainability.
Get Involved
Whitewater’s thriving urban forest is made possible through the work of volunteers and community supporters. If you’d like to contribute or get involved, please contact:
Kevin Boehm
Director of Parks & Recreation