WISCONSIN—Elementary school students in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, had the day off from school Friday, April 26, but that didn’t stop many of them from learning about trees and the importance of Arbor Day. Students, parents and more joined local, state and federal foresters to help plant four special trees at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office in Rhinelander.

The group planted two burr oak and two white pine trees where ash trees needed to be removed in recent years due to emerald ash borer. The trees were grown from seed planted at the USDA Forest Service J.W. Toumey Nursery, which is in Ottawa National Forest.

Interpretive activities for all ages highlighted the importance and benefits of trees and how each of us can help more trees grow in our communities. Students made paper Woodsy Owl hats and competed in a “tree-via” quiz game.

Chequamegon-Nicolet Deputy Forest Supervisor Sitka Pence planted the first tree with city of Rhinelander Urban Forester Tom Jerow, Oneida County Forest Director Jill Nemec and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Chief State Forester Heather Berklund.

“I think it really is important that we all send the same message to the people we work with,” Jerow said. “Whether in the city or in rural parts of the state everybody needs to hear the same message: ‘Trees are important. They’re part of our environment, and they really are even part of sustaining human life.’”

Jerow said the city of Rhinelander is applying for funding to plant more trees in addition to the 100 trees that were planted in 2023 to replace trees lost due to construction or disease.

During the week leading up to Arbor Day, which was Forest Appreciation Week in Wisconsin, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced a goal to plant 100 million trees in Wisconsin by 2030.

“Whether it’s the one tree in your backyard or planting 100 trees, every tree counts, and every tree is important and will benefit you and all of us,” said Wisconsin Chief State Forester Heather Berklund.