Introduction to the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund
The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund was established to honor the legacy of Bob Skiera, a distinguished urban forestry pioneer. As a past president of the International Society of Arboriculture and the Wisconsin Arborist Association, Bob made significant contributions to the field of urban forestry. His efforts helped bridge the gap between urban planning and forestry, facilitating communication among professionals.
Building Bridges Initiative
This fund supports the Building Bridges Initiative, which aims to enhance collaboration among arborists, urban foresters, and other stakeholders such as civil engineers and wildlife researchers. Grants are available annually, with a total funding of $30,000; $25,000 from the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund and $5,000 from the John White Memorial Fund. This initiative encourages research and projects that emphasize the importance of urban forests and their benefits for communities.
Grant Application Process
The grant cycle for the 2024 Building Bridges Initiative opens on August 1, 2025, with proposals accepted until October 1, 2025. Ideal projects include investigating urban forest management and community engagement, with suggested areas including policy formation, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions. Tree Fund welcomes diverse research proposals, excluding municipal tree surveys and traditional forestry studies.
For detailed information visit its official website: https://treefund.org/researchgrants/skiera