The Platteville Community Arboretum is undertaking a “Valley-to-Eastside Expansion Project” that will expand the city’s public greenspace by 15 acres across two strategic locations. As reported by WGLR, this expansion includes a new trailhead with parking, gardens, and picnic areas, plus nearly a mile of additional walkable trail along an abandoned railroad corridor.
In September 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources awarded a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant of $136,700 to the City of Platteville and the Platteville Community Arboretum. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program provides matching grants to local governments and non-profit organizations for conservation projects throughout Wisconsin. Since the program’s inception in 1989, these funds have supported local park infrastructure, recreational trails, and land purchases for nature preserves in all 72 Wisconsin counties.
The grant will cover half of the project’s cost, with the Arboretum now working to raise matching funds by summer 2025. Community members interested in supporting this local expansion of public greenspace can make donations through Inspiring Community, Inc.,, which is accepting contributions on behalf of the project.
Featured image by Denis Lesak, 2020
