50 Trees for 50 Years of Earth Day (1970-2020)

Both the UW-Whitewater campus and City of Whitewater have received designations from the Arbor Day Foundation for our commitment to prioritize and protect trees (Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA).  Additionally, UW-Whitewater has received Level II accreditation by Arb Net, the Interactive Community of Arboreta.  To honor UW-Whitewater's Sesquicentennial in 2018, “The Salisbury Idea” was launched in efforts to plant one of every tree native to Wisconsin on campus grounds and create a virtual tour to recognize the unique qualities of each species of tree.  As part of this project, a digital map was created to catalog approximately 1,700 trees at UW-Whitewater.  The City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Committee engages in activities such as surveying citizens about local trees, nominating notable trees for recognition and protection, and responding to threats from invasive species.  The focus on protecting tree resources in Whitewater is truly a joint venture, so we are excited to extend this partnership even further.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the UW-Whitewater Sustainability Office and City of Whitewater are coming together to continue advocating for trees by launching the “50 Trees for 50 Years” campaign in hopes of planting 50 trees throughout the campus and community before Arbor Day 2021.  Trees will be planted in city parks, local elementary school grounds, and prominent areas of campus for current and future generations to enjoy.  Despite the challenges we face, it is important to keep investing in the health and well-being of future generations and trees offer a variety of benefits that accomplish that goal.

Make a Donation - Tree benefits

• Trees clean the air we breathe
• Trees help handle stormwater
• Trees make communities healthier
• Trees increase property values
• Trees keep us cooler
• Trees save energy
• Trees shelter and feed wildlife
• Trees are good business
• Trees pay us back

Your financial donations to support these efforts will make a difference by helping us plant an even more diverse selection of trees around our community. All funds raised will be used to purchase trees from a local nursery, labor costs, and plaques for each of the trees planted. It costs approximately $250 to plant one tree and care for it for the first year. We hope to have fulfilled our goal of funding 50 trees over the next year and we plan to host an event, as appropriate to protect public health, to celebrate and recognize all donors before planting the trees.

Tree plantings make great gifts! All donations will receive a digital certificate which can be personalized to include “in memory of”, “in honor of”, or “in support of”. Donations of $250 or more will have the option to select a preferred planting location, tree type, and customized tree plaque. Other donations amounts have additional incentive options including a digital certificate and access to exclusive events.

Donate Now!