Town of Wilson Utilizes ROOTS Funding

The Town of Wilson received $12,361 in funding assistance from the ROOTS Community Investment Fund in 2022 to replace many of the dead ash trees in Town Parks. ROOTS or Restoration of our Trees Sheboygan is an innovative partnership between LNRP and the Sheboygan Rotary Club.

The multi-faceted approach of the ROOTS initiative provides support to communities in the Sheboygan area with the mitigation of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The unique public-private collaborative model of ROOTS leverages multiple funding sources, boosting local resources and stretching the value of each dollar provided by generous local donors, while also bringing in state and federal dollars for a greater collective impact and investment in our communities. Each ROOTS project contributes to the shared goals of helping our communities recover from the devastating impact of the EAB and restoring the valuable tree canopy.

The grant to the Town of Wilson was designed to improve public safety through elimination of high-risk ash trees infected by emerald ash borer (EAB), planting high-quality trees with low maintenance needs, and establishing a routine and comprehensive program for ongoing urban tree care. The Town’s Park and Forestry Committee led the efforts to mobilize volunteers to plant trees in three parks: Victor Gruber Memorial Fireman’s Park & Jung Bell Tower Park, Arthur Jerving Conservancy, Schinker Creek Park.

Whether local partners need assistance with planning or implementation, ROOTS is finding ways of helping with financial support while also engaging residents through outreach and education.