Call for Applications: Collaborative Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Research

The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program provides funding for collaborative research projects that connect arborists, urban foresters, and professionals from related fields to improve urban forest management. Administered by TREE Fund, the program supports interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches that demonstrate the value of trees and urban forests.

About the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program

The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program is administered by TREE Fund to encourage collaboration between professionals working in arboriculture, urban forestry, and related disciplines.

The program supports research and projects that bring together experts from different fields to develop better approaches for managing urban forests and communicating the social, environmental, and economic value of trees.

The initiative recognizes the importance of cooperation between arborists, urban planners, scientists, engineers, and public agencies in addressing challenges related to urban tree management.

Program Background and Legacy

The grant program honors two influential figures in the arboriculture community:

• Bob Skiera, an urban forestry pioneer known for promoting collaboration between urban foresters and professionals involved in urban planning and city management.
• John P. White, an arborist recognized for strengthening relationships and cooperation within the tree care profession.

The initiative was established by TREE Fund in partnership with:

• The Skiera Family.
• The Wisconsin Arborist Association.
• The International Society of Arboriculture.

Through this program, TREE Fund continues their commitment to advancing research and partnerships that improve urban forest practices.

Program Objectives

The grant program aims to:

• Support collaborative research in arboriculture and urban forestry.
• Build partnerships between professionals from different disciplines.
• Improve understanding of the value of trees and urban forests.
• Encourage knowledge sharing between researchers and practitioners.
• Strengthen the management and sustainability of urban forests.
• Support research that benefits the arboricultural industry.

Research Areas Supported

The program welcomes projects involving collaboration among professionals such as:

• Arborists.
• Urban foresters.
• Public works officials.
• Risk assessment specialists.
• Civil engineers.
• Wildlife researchers.
• Soil scientists.
• Urban planners.
• Other related technical and academic experts.

Supported projects may use:

• Qualitative research methods.
• Quantitative research methods.
• Interdisciplinary approaches.
• Applied research models.

Grant Amount

The program provides funding of up to:

USD 30,000 per grant award

The annual funding contribution includes:

• USD 25,000 from the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund.
• USD 5,000 from the John P. White Memorial Fund.

Funding decisions are based on the quality, relevance, and potential impact of proposed projects.

Who Can Apply?

The program encourages applications from researchers and professionals involved in arboriculture, urban forestry, and related disciplines.

Eligible proposals should:

• Support collaborative research.
• Align with TREE Fund’s mission.
• Demonstrate benefits to the arboricultural industry.
• Include strong research design and implementation plans.
• Address important challenges related to urban forests.

Early-career researchers are encouraged to apply and may strengthen their proposals by working with experienced researchers as co-investigators or advisors.

Why This Program Matters

Urban forests provide significant environmental, social, and economic benefits, including:

• Improved air quality.
• Climate resilience.
• Urban biodiversity support.
• Community wellbeing.
• Reduced heat impacts.
• Enhanced city environments.

However, effective urban forest management requires cooperation between multiple professional fields.

This grant program helps create stronger connections between researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to develop innovative solutions for healthier urban forests.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may support:

• Collaborative research initiatives.
• Interdisciplinary studies.
• Urban forestry innovation.
• Research on tree management practices.
• Studies demonstrating the value of urban forests.
• Knowledge exchange activities between professional groups.

Ineligible Projects and Activities

The program does not support:

• Grants made directly to individuals.
• Municipal tree surveys or assessments as the primary project activity.
• Tree planting programs.
• Traditional forestry and timber production studies.
• Agroforestry research.
• Ecology and conservation studies focused on forests or natural areas.
• Product testing primarily benefiting a company manufacturing a product.

Application Review Process

Applications are reviewed through a competitive evaluation process.

Initial Eligibility Review

TREE Fund first checks:

• Applicant eligibility.
• Completion of required application materials.
• Compliance with submission requirements.
• Alignment with TREE Fund’s mission.

Research Evaluation

Eligible proposals are reviewed by the TREE Fund Research and Education Committee.

Reviewers consider:

• Previous accomplishments of the research team.
• Potential contribution to the arboriculture industry.
• Strength of research methodology.
• Quality of hypotheses and experimental design.
• Practical importance of expected outcomes.
• Plans for sharing findings.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should consider the following steps:

1. Identify an important challenge in arboriculture or urban forestry.
2. Build a collaborative team with expertise from multiple disciplines.
3. Clearly explain the research objectives and expected outcomes.
4. Develop a strong methodology with measurable goals.
5. Demonstrate how results will benefit tree care professionals.
6. Include a clear plan for sharing findings with researchers and practitioners.

Tips for Applicants

To improve application quality:

• Highlight collaboration between different professional fields.
• Explain the practical impact of the research.
• Use clear research questions and objectives.
• Include experienced advisors when appropriate.
• Demonstrate how the project supports better urban forest management.
• Provide a realistic timeline and research strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects focused only on tree planting.
• Proposing research unrelated to arboriculture or urban forestry.
• Failing to demonstrate collaboration.
• Providing unclear research methods.
• Ignoring the program’s focus on practical industry benefits.
• Submitting product testing projects designed mainly for commercial advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program?

The program supports collaborative research that connects arborists, urban foresters, and related professionals to improve urban forest management.

How much funding is available?

The program provides grants of up to USD 30,000.

Who administers the grant program?

The program is administered by TREE Fund.

What types of research are supported?

The program supports collaborative and interdisciplinary research related to arboriculture, urban forestry, tree management, and the value of urban forests.

Can early-career researchers apply?

Yes. Early-career researchers are encouraged to apply and may strengthen proposals by collaborating with experienced researchers.

Does the program support tree planting projects?

No. Tree planting programs are not eligible for funding.

Are product testing projects eligible?

No. Product testing conducted mainly for the benefit of a company manufacturing the product is not supported.

Conclusion

The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program provides important support for collaborative research that strengthens the future of arboriculture and urban forestry. By encouraging partnerships between scientists, arborists, engineers, planners, and other professionals, the program helps develop innovative solutions that improve urban forest management and demonstrate the lasting value of trees in communities.