Wisconsin DNR Helps Kids Plant Trees for a Greener Future, but Time Grows Short

If you were in the Midwest when the derecho hit in 2020, you probably felt the brunt of the storm. According to Blue Team Corp, the storm impacted Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin in some way. It devastated Iowa, almost blacking out Cedar Rapids.

Illinois, where we were, was impacted. Not as severely as Iowa, but right behind Wisconsin. Certain regions of Wisconsin took the brunt of the damage, but the entire state endured the storm.

Many, Many Derechos for Wisconsin

Wikipedia says that Wisconsin saw significant damage to its forests, and one special tree met a sad end during the 2020 derecho. "That Tree" wasn't spared Mother Nature's wrath.

Wisconsin also saw widespread power outages and damaged homes and businesses, and that was just the start. Some years later, if you read this report from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the 2019 storm, Wisconsin is still picking up the pieces. Add to that the 2020 derecho, and that's even more recovery.

If you're not aware, Wisconsin has been seeing derechos for some time, long before they were a known name in the news. They took on a very big storm back in 1980, and you can read about that here: Wisconsin Derecho of 1980.  Wikipedia says that people from Wisconsin will refer to that derecho simply as "the Storm."

What is Wisconsin Doing to Replace Trees?

There is hope in trees, and Wisconsin is leaving it up to the kids. 4th graders are part of Wisconsin's key to returning trees to the Badger State.  They've been doing it since 1984.

DNR nurseries are giving away free seedlings to any 4th-grade students in Wisconsin, but time is running out. If you'd like to help Wisconsin rebuild by requesting free seedlings, follow this link: Arbor Day Free Seedlings for Fourth Graders.

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Here are some of the comments on the Wisconsin DNR Facebook page about the program, as well as a few pictures of seedlings that have come a long way:

Lee H said:  "Marshall Lions Club has been presenting an Arbor Day program to our fourth graders for several years using the seedlings from the WDNR. Thank you!"

 

There are many comments like this one from Lizzie V: "My seedling is still growing strong at my parent’s house!!!"

What is Arbor Day?

I'm glad you asked that.  The Arbor Day Foundation says its a day to plant trees and recognize the importance of trees to the environment.  The history of Arbor Day is courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation.

Speaking of trees and their importance, check out some of the pictures collected at state parks in the Midwest. There are some great shots!