By Patricia Lindquist, Urban Forestry Coordinator; patricia.lindquist@wisconsin.gov or (715) 574-1314
On Aug. 20, 2024, the First Downs for Trees program celebrated its 14th year with a ceremonial tree planting at Amelia Cornelius Park, Oneida Nation. The program is a cooperative effort between the DNR, the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Public Service and corporate sponsor Green Bay Packaging, Inc. The donated trees offset the Packers’ carbon footprint when flying to away games.
In 2024, 402 landscape-sized trees were planted by sixteen communities: Allouez, Ashwaubenon, Bellevue, Brown County, De Pere, Green Bay, Hobart, Howard, Lawrence, Ledgeview, Morrison, Oneida, Pulaski, Scott, Suamico and Wrightstown. The trees were provided by Meacham and Leaves Inspired nurseries. Since its inception, the First Downs for Trees program has donated 7,194 trees.
The ceremonial tree planting on Aug. 20 included speeches by Mark Murphy, president/CEO of the Green Bay Packers; Tehassi Hill, chairman for the Oneida Nation; Bob Mihalski representing Green Bay Packaging; and Patricia Lindquist, DNR Urban Forestry coordinator. Also in attendance were Connie Antonuk, DNR Northeast Region secretary’s director; Ben Cornelius, DNR tribal liaison; Matt Cullen, WEC Energy Group senior communications specialist; and honorable guests from the Oneida Nation, including Miss Oneida and war veterans.