SHAWANO, WI- The City of Shawano marked another annual Arbor Day celebration Friday at Memorial Park, continuing its 31-year designation as a Tree City USA community with a program centered on tree planting, education, and community recognition.
Chairman of the Tree Advisory Committee Ross Langhurst opened the ceremony by thanking attendees and recognizing the committee’s long-running efforts. “We’re proud to be here for our 12th year of Arbor Day celebration and our 31 years as a Tree City USA,” he said, while acknowledging committee members, city staff, and utility partners who help maintain the city’s urban forest.
City Forester Mike Kroenke outlined ongoing planting efforts and the importance of tree diversity following losses from storms, emerald ash borer, and Dutch elm disease. “We’ve lost a number of trees, so what we’re trying to do is plant a diversity of trees so we don’t see that same level of damage again,” he said. Kroenke also explained that roughly 60 trees are being planted this year and encouraged students to notice tagged trees around the park to learn more about species selection.
Students from Ogla-Brener Elementary participated in the event, along with students from Sacred Heart and St. James, with officials emphasizing the hands-on opportunity to plant a tree they can revisit in future years. “When you come back to the park in the future, you can say, ‘I helped plant that tree,’” Park and Rec Director Matt Hendricks told them.
City Clerk Lesley Nemetz read the mayor’s Arbor Day proclamation, highlighting the environmental and community benefits of trees, from improving air and water quality to reducing energy costs and providing habitat for wildlife. The proclamation officially designated April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in Shawano.
The ceremony also included a $2,000 donation from Shawano Municipal Utilities to support tree planting efforts. Utility representative Rob Kuep noted the importance of planning ahead when planting trees near power lines. “Make sure you know what species it is and what it’s going to grow into,” he said. “Because 10 or 15 years later, that tree can be right up in the utility lines.”
The event also honored the memory of former city employee Mark Dillenberg through a memorial tree planting project. Parks and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks described the dedication as a lasting tribute. “These trees will forever be known as Dilly’s Trees,” he said, encouraging students to remember the legacy behind them and share it with others.
“You did not know him, but when you talk to people you say, I did not know him, but I heard he was a pretty cool guy.”
Awards were presented recognizing outstanding conservation efforts by local residents and businesses, including condominium and private property owners who have prioritized tree preservation and landscaping improvements.
Those awards were presented to Dan and Pam Nowak and Little Shores Condominiums.
Officials said the celebration reflects not only environmental stewardship but also community pride and participation. The ceremony concluded with students helping plant a new tree in Memorial Park, reinforcing the city’s message that today’s efforts will grow into tomorrow’s legacy.
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