By Travis Derks, City of Oshkosh Landscape Operations Manager
TDerks@oshkoshwi.gov or 920-236-5080.

Photo Credit: City of Oshkosh

When presented with an offer in October of donated trees to be planted by volunteers with just over a month to plan, the City of Oshkosh didn’t hesitate to take on the challenge. Cummins Inc. (in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation and Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers) was looking to plant around 40 trees with 30 volunteers somewhere in Oshkosh by the end of this year.

Planning began by checking the availability of trees, with a focus on maintaining species diversity. The trees selected represented 24 species from 21 genera, including 12 Wisconsin-native species. Once trees were secured, we consulted the master plans for our larger parks to identify a suitable planting location free from future development. With these two major hurdles cleared, we focused on logistics, including scheduling, waivers and site preparation.

Photo Credit: City of Oshkosh

Nov. 20 would be the day our “Volunteer Trailer” (a trailer stocked with anything that could be needed, such as shovels, wheelbarrows, rakes and other various tools specifically designated for volunteer use) would roll onto an open field in Lakeshore Park and leave a newly planted forest when it left. The weather cooperated through November until the 18th, when Oshkosh received 1-2 inches of snow. On the 20th, despite a cold and windy start, everything was ready. Holes were pre-dug, trees were staged, shovels were ready and 25 volunteers in high spirits were eager to contribute. After a thorough planting demonstration and Q&A session, the planting commenced as instructed. About an hour in, we were honored by the presence of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who personally planted two trees: a bur oak and the state tree, a sugar maple. Gov. Evers, an enthusiastic tree advocate, didn’t hesitate to get muddy alongside the volunteers and spent time chatting with them afterward. In just three hours, despite the melting snow and resultant mud, 40 trees were successfully settled into their new homes.

If you have any questions about anything mentioned, please contact City of Oshkosh landscape operations manager Travis Derks at TDerks@oshkoshwi.gov or 920-236-5080.