CONTRIBUTIONS

Arbor Day

WTS annually supports Arbor Day with volunteer hours across the country planting trees and educating for the caring and importance of sustainably protecting our planet’s natural resources.

In April, the industry observed the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. Several WTS employees marked the occasion in their local communities.

General Forepersons Raymond Wolken and Jeffrey Ziebell, Project Manager Mitch Frye, Crew Leader Cody Laird, Trimmers Justin Stumpter and John Speight, and Groundworkers Tyler Athon and Frank Chapman took time to plant 12 Eastern Red Cedar trees together in Kansas City, Kansas.

“Arbor Day has always been a special day for our industry and our companies,” said Frye. “Planting trees on Arbor Day is a way to give back to the community and our planet.”

Also, to commemorate Arbor Day, Division Manager Afton Stanko, General Foreperson Randall Dejager, Safety Supervisors Chad Berlin and Kristian Michael Schutz, and Crew Leader Michael Shilling took the time to set up a climbing demonstration in Wildcat Park Joplin, Missouri to allow the public an opportunity to ascend a tree using professional climbing gear. The WTS team demonstration provided all attendees a fun, educational and interactive experience!

“There were tons of smiles and laughter going around all day,” said Stanko. “We had several grateful and appreciative comments, with many sharing how exciting and educational the event was. It was definitely a blessed day.”

TREE Fund

WTS has been a committed partner to The Tree Research Education & Endowment (TREE) Fund for years. It is a cause that our late president and COO Will Nutter was passionate about. With more than four decades in the utility vegetation management industry, Will was a driving force and influential leader, displayed by his service as the chair of the TREE Fund Board of Trustees. In 2022, we donated $5,000 in support their mission.

$5,000

Tour des Trees

Donated To The Tree Fund In 2022

WTS has been a devoted partner to supporting Tour des Trees over the years. Tour des Trees is an annual long-distance cycling adventure which serves as the primary public outreach and community engagement event for TREE Fund. In 2022, WTS Vice President of Operations Jerry Black biked across Iowa in the annual bike ride. Jerry rode one, 80-mile day to support the TREE Fund and its efforts in public outreach and community engagement. During his ride, he raised $1,000.

Special to this year’s ride, the TREE Fund, in tandem with Wright Service Corp. (WSC), planted and dedicated a red oak tree in downtown Des Moines to honor Will Nutter, the late President of WTS.

$1,000

Saluting Branches

In September, more than 40 WTS employees from six divisions around the country took part in the annual Saluting Branches event. Saluting Branches is a nonprofit organization that provides the vital care to the landscapes dedicated to our U.S. Veterans. On this annual event, thousands of arborists volunteer their time, talents and equipment to maintain the trees at dozens of Veterans’ cemeteries across the country. The event helps fill the void of the significant need for tree care and landscape care at our Veteran cemeteries. Through this work, Saluting Branches has brought together the green industry and made an impact with community volunteering. The idea was developed by a group of arborists under the commitment of beautifying and improving our National Veterans Cemeteries to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by our troops. Few resources are available to care for the trees located at the 130 National Veteran Cemeteries and hundreds of state-operated Veteran cemeteries. These trees need to be inspected for safety, health and be properly pruned or removed if diseased. Without proper care, the cemeteries may be unsafe and will lack the beauty and peaceful environment that the Veterans, families and visitors deserve.