Green industry professionals, students, teachers, parents, officials from the Wisconsin DNR and politicians joined at the Capitol in Madison for the Arbor Day Celebration.
The Bruce Company planted a large Red Oak in Capitol Park to commemorate the day. Kathy Swingen of The Bruce Company organized the tree planting on behalf of the Wisconsin Nursery Association (WNA), in conjunction with the Wisconsin DNR’s Division of Forestry.
A ceremony to recognize the winners of the two Arbor Day contests was also part of the Arbor Day festivities. More than 1,400 fourth graders across the state participated in the writing contest contemplating the topic, “Why Plant Trees?”. The essay of Sydney Donath, Farmington Elementary School in Kewaskum won first place.
Posters from more than 1,900 fifth graders illustrating the topic, “Trees are Terrific…and Energy Wise!” were entered this year as well. The first place winner is Jake Helfenbein of Deerfield Elementary in Oak Creek.
Each winner receives a U.S. Savings Bond, courtesy of the Wisconsin Arborist Association. WNA members from all over Wisconsin donated trees and will plant one at each student’s school or at a site in their community.
Arbor Day celebrated at the Wisconsin Capitol
The Bruce Company Plants a Red Oak in Capitol Park