Colectivo Mequon is proud to be part of a Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant project that served as the platform for developing the first set of Wisconsin Urban Wood specification guidelines.This grant provided urban ash lumber (certified Wisconsin Urban Wood) for use as paneling on the cafe interior. More than twenty people from eight regional industries had a role in this “urban tree-to-building” process, generating environmental, economic, and societal benefits.What is Wisconsin Urban Wood?Wisconsin Urban Wood comes from local trees that have been removed only due to damage from insects, disease or circumstance, NOT because of their timber value. This wood comes from trees that have to come down. (Examples include logs from municipal or private landscape tree removals and trees killed by storm or pest outbreaks.)Benefits of Wisconsin Urban Wood:Wood from local trees is a valuable resource that would otherwise be chipped or turned to firewood. Using local wood cuts transportation costs and emissions, supports local economies, and brings out the artistry of our community with quality goods and services. It builds community by bringing all manner of folks together – from sawyer to architect to consumer. In short, local wood is good wood! Stop by our Mequon cafe and see for yourself.