Wisconsin Planted 54.7 Million Trees Toward 2030 Goal
The state has reached 55 percent of its target to plant 100 million trees, aiming to enhance carbon storage and local resilience.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Environmental
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As of the end of 2025, Wisconsin has planted more than 54.7 million trees as part of its Trillion Trees Pledge. This statewide effort aims to reach a total of 100 million trees by 2030.
Why it matters
The reforestation initiative is designed to increase carbon sequestration, improve water filtration, and support wildlife habitats. These efforts are intended to help local communities adapt to environmental changes as the state works toward its 2030 deadline.
Wisconsin has reached 55 percent of its 100 million tree target. The project includes a specific commitment to plant 1 million trees in urban areas and protect at least 125,000 acres of forestland.
The players
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing natural resources, conservation efforts, and the administration of the Reforestation Program.
Tony Evers
The Governor of Wisconsin who announced the Trillion Trees Pledge in 2021 to drive state-level reforestation.
The details
The planting effort relies on a coalition of stakeholders, including municipalities, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Residents participate by collecting and selling seeds to state nurseries and providing maintenance for neighborhood trees. These trees serve as natural infrastructure to filter water and manage local climate impacts.
Timeline
In 2021, Governor Tony Evers announced the Trillion Trees Pledge.
As of the end of 2025, more than 54.7 million trees had been planted.
In April 2026, the DNR announced the current tree planting progress.
On October 5, 2026, the Reforestation Program opened orders for the 2027 spring planting season.
The deadline for the 100 million tree planting goal is 2030.
The Tech Race
Wisconsin's initiative serves as a specific state-level implementation of the global Trillion Trees framework, tracking its local progress toward the international goal. The state's 55 percent completion rate provides a benchmark for regional participation in these worldwide carbon-sequestration efforts.
Residents can participate by collecting and selling seeds to state nurseries or managing trees in their own neighborhoods. These actions directly contribute to the 1 million urban trees target set within the larger state goal.
The takeaway
The state is currently past the halfway point in its 100 million tree mission. Stakeholders should track the 2030 deadline for final goal completion and watch for updated acreage reports on forestland protection.
What happens next
The Reforestation Program will continue distributing seedlings for the 2027 spring planting season, which was initiated on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on regional ecological initiatives, see Wisconsin Environmental.
Live Poll
Should your local community prioritize large-scale tree planting to help adapt to local environmental challenges?
