The day we first know a tree by name will be the day when our interest and enjoyment in that tree begins.
Every day, scores of walkers amble through Humboldt Park. Runners trace its trails, and dogs lead their owners along familiar paths. All are surrounded by the beautiful trees that provide the architecture of the park. A few of the trees predate the parks earliest development in 1890; more than 150 were planted in the last five years as part of a successful campaign to replace those recently lost to emerald ash borer disease.
Milwaukee County staff fell trees damaged by weather and disease. But Humboldt Park Friends and our generous donors fund their replacements, selected in partnership with county arborists. In 2025, we also partnered with Johnson’s Nursery and the City of Milwaukee’s Forestry Department to provide us and our park neighbors with information on tree selection and winter maintenance. Further, an area Eagle Scout, his fellow scouts, family, and friends helped to protect more than 100 trees in the park from damage by mulching them with wood chips.
The trees in Humboldt Park provide food and host nests for birds and other wildlife. Their dense canopy cools the park and surrounding neighborhoods in the summer. The trees help mitigate climate change by driving rain into the ground rather than into sewers. And they define a “third space” that brings us together, a destination spot for conversation, and respite when we need it.
You become more human under the canopy of a tree.
Please join us in our commitment to be stewards of Humboldt Park by donating to our year end campaign. It is easy to give online here or through our website.
As the complexity of the world and the challenges to our environment weigh heavily on our shoulders, Humboldt Park provides an urban oasis for people and wildlife. Walking in the park every day provides us all an opportunity to enjoy the natural world with its ever-changing beauty and wonder.
