SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano Tree Advisory Committee, alongside City Forester Mike Kroenke and Public Works Administrator Eddie Shepherd, is gearing up for its annual Arbor Day celebration while continuing efforts to protect and enhance the city’s natural beauty.
The mission of the committee is clear: preserve existing trees, educate the public on their value, and replenish the urban forest for future generations. “When people build a new house, one of the first things they do after the lawn goes in is plant trees,” said committee member Bob Dumke. “We want to make sure people know which trees to plant, how to care for them, and why trees are vital to the city’s health and appearance.”
City Forester Kroenke, who has been with Shawano for 11 years, said the city typically plants about 50 new trees each year, maintaining a careful balance by replacing trees lost to storms, disease, or age. “If we don’t make a concerted effort to replace trees, we’ll slowly lose our canopy,” he explained. “It’s about staying ahead for future generations.”
This year’s Arbor Day celebration will take place Wednesday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at Smalley Park, where a catalpa tree—known for its large, beautiful flowers and resilience to climate change—will be planted. The national Arbor Day holiday falls on the last Friday in April.
During the ceremony, Mike Bohm will receive the annual Friends of Nature Award for his outstanding care of trees on private property. Although no commercial award will be presented this year, the committee encourages the public to nominate businesses and individuals year-round for their contributions to urban forestry.
Shawano continues to meet the four key standards of being recognized as a Tree City USA for 31 consecutive years: maintaining a tree board, having a city tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry (Shawano spends about $4), and holding an Arbor Day observance. Additionally, Shawano has earned Tree Growth Awards for going above and beyond basic tree care, such as planting diverse species and creating spaces for birds by incorporating more shrubs.
Speaking of shrubs, Dumke emphasized the committee’s expanded focus: “Most birds don’t nest in the tops of trees. They rely on shrubs and smaller trees. It’s important for homeowners to plant these as well to support local wildlife.”
The committee also oversees the city’s vibrant flower pot program, in partnership with the Shawano High School horticulture class. Volunteers are needed to help maintain these displays, which brighten the city throughout the year.
The emerald ash borer has continued to pose challenges, but Shawano has proactively treated about 100 ash trees with a chemical injection to save them—a strategy not all cities undertake. “Treating trees is costly, but it’s more sustainable than constant removal and replanting,” Kroenke said.
Residents are encouraged to properly maintain their trees, prune them correctly, and remove hazardous or storm-damaged trees. Those interested in planting trees on terrace areas are asked to coordinate with the city forester to ensure proper planting and safety checks through Diggers Hotline.
With more than 300 new trees planted over the past decade and a commitment to diversity, beauty, and public education, Shawano’s Tree Advisory Committee is ensuring the city remains green and welcoming for generations to come.
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