The Shawano Tree Advisory Board was formed in November 1993 through the efforts of the local forester.
“It was to assist him in his work,” said Gerry Stephens, secretary and original member of the board.
The mission is to promote and educate the public about the value and beauty of trees, which can improve air quality, reduce heating and cooling costs, and increase property values in the city.
Other board members are chairman Bill Erdmann, Diane Heikes, Wayne Habeck and Fred Ponschok. They were appointed by Mayor Lorna Marquardt.
Part of their job is to look after public trees planted between the sidewalk and the curb. Trees in urban areas require more maintenance than those in the forest. If a tree looks bad or diseased, the members get the advice of a forester on what to do.
“He will decide if the tree will come down or not,” Erdmann said.
If a tree needs to be removed, the public works department gets involved. The tree board also works with the park and recreation department on the trees that are in the parks and the cemetery.
“We report to the field committee of the city,” Erdmann said.
The board’s biggest project is the annual Arbor Day celebration. It requires a lot of planning but is necessary to retain Shawano’s designation as Tree City USA.
Every year, a tree is planted to honor a business and an individual who is deemed “Nature’s Friend.” Erdmann said the board welcomes nominations for the award.
They board also oversees the flower planters in the city. Habeck and Heikes take care of the volunteers who do the planting and the weeding. The plants are grown at Shawano Community High School. Involving students saves on expense and gives them knowledge of planting and growing.
“We use it as an educational project for the students,” Erdmann said.
Ag education teacher and FFA adviser Missy Braun said it gives the horticulture students the opportunity to work with actual clients. The students learn to work within a budget, make a design plan, and develop communication, public speaking and problem-solving skills.
“The partnership that we’ve formed with the advisory board is one of my favorite projects,” Braun said. “The knowledge and experience that this provides my students is amazing.”
Stephens noted that there have been changes to city regulations over the years. For instance, now a new construction must have more than a grass lawn.
“They need to have trees that clean the air and add to the beauty of the community,” she said.
There is a City of Shawano Tree Guide available to the public. It has information on caring for trees, diseases, planting, mulching, pruning, permits, municipal codes, and recommended types and areas for trees.
For more information, call Erdmann at 715-526-3467.
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