A $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gives the City of Whitewater the means to create an arboretum at Starin Park.

Whitewater is one of 47 Wisconsin communities to qualify for grants to replace large amounts of trees lost due to Emerald Ash Borer and natural attrition.

Communications Manager Kristin Mickelson says there are currently as many as 50 declining trees in Starin Park today that will soon need to be replaced.

The initial Whitewater project is to establish an arboretum, or outside museum of trees and shrubs, to provide educational opportunities for children and adults by identifying and preserving a diverse network of native and imported trees and plants.