For Release: 04/30/2021
Gift of green: WPS celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting in De Pere
De Pere — Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is giving back by going green
from the ground up, planting trees in De Pere in recognition of Arbor Day.
Crabapple, linden and maple trees were planted Friday by WPS and City of De Pere's Parks,
Recreation and Forestry Department in De Pere's Voyageur Park. The planting adds to the more than
60 species and 10,000 trees that can be found throughout the city. The trees are more resistant to the
diseases and invasive species that typically damage trees in Wisconsin.
Each tree was selected and planted to reduce the potential that it would contact overhead electrical
equipment. Customers can visit the WPS website for guidelines on which trees to plant around overhead electrical
equipment, as well as the right places to plant them.
Tree care efforts enhance environment, earn recognition
WPS is being honored with a national award for the 27th year for its work to improve urban forests in
Wisconsin. The Arbor Day Foundation has named WPS as a recipient of a 2021 Tree Line USA
award, an honor given to electric utilities that work to improve tree care and conservation in the
communities they serve.
Since 2003, WPS has helped add thousands of trees to northeast Wisconsin as part of the Tree Line
USA program. In that time, WPS has provided more than 4,700 trees to communities across its
service area, including by distributing more than 4,200 seedlings to local students.
Improving urban forests is part of WPS' focus on environmental stewardship. By building new
renewable energy facilities, supporting efforts to enhance our local environment and helping
endangered species, WPS is working toward a bright, sustainable future.
Call 811 to dig safely
Before planting a tree or performing any project involving digging, WPS reminds customers to call 811
or notify Diggers Hotline at least three working days before starting to dig. Calling 811 or notifying
Diggers Hotline allows utility companies to mark the location of their underground lines, helping to
keep digging sites safe, as well as avoid service interruptions or costly repairs.
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