Partnership to Help Expand Wisconsin's Urban and State Forest Tree Canopies
LINCOLN, Neb., November 8, 2018 – The Arbor Day Foundation and Kohler Co. announced today a new tree planting partnership aimed at expanding the tree canopies of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the City of Maywood, Wisconsin. Kohler Co. employees will kick off the partnership on November 8, 2019 with an inaugural planting of 70 trees at the Maywood Environmental Park. Together, the two organizations will plant more than 7,000 trees throughout the Spring of 2019.
"We are thrilled to enter this partnership with Kohler Co. who has pledged to plant in their local community," said Dan Lambe, president, Arbor Day Foundation. "Because of their commitment, the forests and the communities that surround Kohler Co. will not only get to enjoy the beauty that the trees provide, but also reap the long-term benefits such as cleaner air and water as well as the restoration of natural habitat."
The initial planting at the Maywood Environmental Park builds upon the community's project which began planting earlier this year with children and seniors planting in the park to provide the area with additional shade and refuge. The Kohler Co. tree plantings will continue through 2019 in the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit. The state forest is comprised of oak and mix hardwoods, pine plantations, open marshy areas and agricultural fields and encompasses 30,000 acres located within Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Washington Counties. The Kettle Moraine reforestation project includes direct tree planting, dispersing seed, site preparation and releasing trees from competing vegetation. In addition, due to the introduction of emerald ash borer in the last several years, the plantings will begin to repair the landscape and replace forest trees that are being lost.
"We are honored to participate in an opportunity that betters our local community and the environment, " said Rob Zimmerman, Director of Sustainability at Kohler Co. "The Arbor Day Foundation's commitment to embracing sustainable practices and solutions echoes Kohler's own mission, making this such an important and impactful partnership."
###
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 300 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.
As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis. Kohler Co. is one of America's oldest and largest privately held companies. With more than 37,000 associates and 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world's finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler and St Andrews, Scotland. For additional details, please visit www.kohlercompany.com.