Green Bay Packers and DNR staff plant a ceremonial Sterling Linden tree in Titletown to help offset the Green Bay Packer’s carbon footprint produced by traveling to away games. Trees naturally sequester carbon dioxide, providing a long-term solution to the problem because trees sequester more and more carbon as they grow larger. This marks the 9th year of the Packer’s First Downs for Trees (FDFT) Program which has planted 5,144 trees to date throughout Brown County.
DNR Secretary Cole, DNR staff and former Packers Johnnie Gray and Gerry Ellis planting a tree.
DNR Secretary Cole speaking at the First Downs for Trees event.
Lieutenant Governor Barnes speaking at First Downs for Trees event.
Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council members plant a tree with former Green Bay Packers Johnnie Gray and Gerry Ellis.
With 16 different tree species being planted this year, the area’s urban forests are made more resilient. They will be better able to withstand future pest and disease outbreaks, such as emerald ash borer which is currently killing ash trees in the county and throughout much of the state.
Helping the FDFT Program come to fruition are Essity and Green Bay Packaging Inc. (who offer corporate sponsorship) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Public Service (both providing support). Brown County, its municipalities and the Oneida Nation receive trees in the spring for planting on public properties. Leaves Inspired Tree Nursery and Meacham Nurseries both provide the trees.
If your local sports team is interested in partnering to help forestry in Wisconsin, check out the Team Strategy Playbook at, https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/urbanforests/documents/TeamStrategyPlaybook.pdf.
Lieutenant Governor Barnes and DNR Secretary Cole plant a tree with Packers CEO Mark Murphy and former players Johnnie Gray and Gerry Ellis.