Milwaukee Stormwater Tree Project

Project Overview

With our climate changing, Wisconsin can expect more intense rain, bigger storms, and changes in temperature. Stormwater trees are part of MMSD’s green infrastructure solutions to managing rainwater and improving water quality in our urban waterways. We hope to increase community resilience through improved tree canopies. Trees soak up rainwater before it enters our pipes and rivers and lets the rain soak into the ground naturally. Trees also absorb the gases that are making climate change happen.

We will work with residents to plant over 300 trees in this neighborhood of Milwaukee. These trees can soak up over 18,500 gallons of water in any storm. That’s enough to fill two swimming pools! These trees will also help clean our air by removing 2.75 million pounds of carbon dioxide (the gas that causes climate change). As part of this project, residents in the project area will go on tree exploration hikes in Havenwoods State Forest, have input into what types of trees should be planted and where, and can get a rain barrel or small tree for their homes.

Project Locations

N 76th Street to N 35th Street, Milwaukee, WI. | W Villard Ave. to W Mill Rd, Milwaukee, WI.

Click the arrow on the top left hand side of the map to view project areas and tree canopy locations.

Project Timeline

SUMMER 2019 Community Events

SEPTEMBER 2019 Tree Exploration Walks

OCTOBER 2019 Community Decision Making Workshop

APRIL 2020 Arbor Day Celebration with Rain Barrel and Tree Giveaway

SUMMER 2020 Tree Planting Around the Community

FALL 2020 Celebration

*Timeline end date is subject to change.

Benefits of Trees

soak up rainwater before it enters our sewer pipes and rivers
fight climate change
reduce flooding
reduce air pollution
improve health
provide oxygen
make the community look nice

Get Involved

All events are FREE for residents living in the project area.

Tree Exploration Walk

Havenwoods State Forest - 6141 N Hopkins Street, Milwaukee, WI

September 17, 2019 | 6pm - 7:30pm

September 21, 2019 | 10am - 11:30am

On this hike you will learn about why trees are important for this Milwaukee neighborhood, explore Havenwoods State Forest on a guided tour, and talk to neighbors about how to make our neighborhood even better. All ages are welcome. This tour includes walking for about an hour. Please wear walking shoes. Register by calling (414) 431-2271.

Decision Making Workshop: Your Neighborhood, YOUR Choice

Havenwoods State Forest - 6141 N Hopkins Street, Milwaukee, WI

October 5, 2019 | 10am - 12pm

October 10, 2019 | 6pm - 8pm

Join your neighbors and local businesses at an evening workshop to tell us what YOU want to see. Pick the types of trees for the streets and help decide where they should go. A light dinner and on-site child care will be provided. Register by calling (414) 431-2271.