Jason Arndt, jarndt@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Shawano Community High School students, from left, Justin Brouhard, Steven Mohawk and Katelyn Onesti help plant a honey locust tree Wednesday during the city Arbor Day celebration at the school. Other students participating were, back row, Braxten Surber, Katelin Senzig, Emma Esch and Tommy Stueck III.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Shawano Tree Advisory Committee chairman Bill Erdmann, right, introduces Bob Bartelt as the residential winner of the 2015 Nature’s Friend Award during the city’s Arbor Day celebration Wednesday at Shawano Community High School.
A honey locust tree was planted Wednesday at Shawano Community High School in observance of Arbor Day.
The city’s annual Arbor Day celebration, presented by the city’s Tree Advisory Committee, recognized arboriculture efforts of the city, Shawano Municipal Utilities and two “friends of nature.”
Dozens of students joined local officials for the program.
“We are honored to be a part of this ceremony today,” Principal Scott Zwirschitz said. “These trees will be here a long time, longer than any of us will be around.”
Tracy Salisbury, regional urban forestry coordinator for the state Department of Natural Resources, presented the city with its 21st consectuive Tree City USA designation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
To earn the Tree City USA designation, a community must have a tree board or department, tree care ordinance, comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
Shawano is one of 192 Wisconsin communities with the Tree City distinction.
Shawano Municipal Utilities was honored Wednesday as a Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA utility for the 12th straight year. Ten other utilities in the state also received the award.
Salisbury noted it takes tremendous effort for utility companies to aid the long-term health of trees while maintaining power line safety.
Receiving Nature’s Friend Awards were Bob Bartelt, in the residential category, and Charlie’s County Market, in the commercial category. Trees will be planted at the school in their honor.
Bartelt has two white birch trees, one yellow birch, two ash trees, six maple trees, a pear tree and an apple tree, along with a variety of evergreens, on his Lieg Street property.
“I really appreciate all the trees, as do the birds that nest in them,” Bartelt said. “I am honored at being chosen for this tribute and hope the tree that is planted on my behalf will bring enjoyment to others for decades.”
Charlie Harvey accepted the commercial award. A maple tree will be planted in honor of his business outside the SCHS agriculture department.
Alderman Fred Ponschok read a proclamation by Mayor Lorna Marquardt designating Friday as Arbor Day in the city of Shawano, urging community members to participate by planting trees and participating in tree friendly programs and practices.
The city’s Tree Advisory Committee consists of chairman Bill Erdmann, secretary Gerry Stephens (one of the committee’s original members), planter Diana Heikes, forester Mike Harris, Ponschok, volunteer Wayne Habeck, Shawano Municipal Utilities representative Blair Johnson, city public works coordinator Eddie Sheppard and City Administrator Brian Knapp.