By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Dozens of elementary school students spent part of their day planting trees at a local park as part of an ongoing effort to restore the area’s ecosystem and mark Arbor Day.
Students from Grant Elementary gathered Thursday at Brain Park, where they planted about 140 trees alongside city officials and forestry staff. The annual event is part of a multi-year project aimed at replacing ash trees lost to an invasive insect infestation.
City Forester Mark Ryskiewicz said the initiative began after officials identified a significant problem with the emerald ash borer, a destructive beetle that targets ash trees.
“We knew we had a situation where we wanted to be proactive and get rid of those ash trees before they became hazardous and died,” Ryskiewicz said.
A survey of the 20-acre park revealed that about 12 acres — roughly 72% — were made up of ash trees, making the area particularly vulnerable to widespread loss.
The city launched the project in 2020, with tree removal beginning the following year. Crews have spent the past five years clearing affected trees and preparing the land for replanting.
Each year since, students have helped plant new trees in the cleared areas. The species selected are chosen based on the park’s varying soil conditions, which range from dry to wet.
This year’s plantings included white pine, swamp white oak, silver maple, catalpa, river birch, basswood and hackberry, all suited to the site, Ryskiewicz said.
City officials say the effort is already showing results. Trees planted in the first and second years are beginning to establish themselves and grow.
“It’s kind of rewarding to see that happening,” Ryskiewicz said.
The Arbor Day event not only supports the park’s long-term recovery but also gives students hands-on experience in environmental stewardship.
— Reporting by David Murchland, Marshfield Now.