Bucks, ATC and Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy team up on Trees for Threes
“Thump-chhhhhh.”
This was the sound that the fresh soil made, blanketing the roots of five newly planted ornamental trees at Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy. Add the squeals of delight from school children getting a little dirt under their nails in the planting process and high-fives from Bango. School staff, Bucks Volundeers, ATC, media and many others all gathered for it – another Trees for Threes planting event.
“It’s the second year that ATC has partnered with the Milwaukee Bucks for this program, which has benefitted both schools and communities,” said Bucks Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Alicia Dupies. “Eighty-three schools in ATC’s service area across the state of Wisconsin applied online and received trees this year. The 343 three-pointers made were the second-most in a season in franchise history. I’d like to also give a special congratulations to Khris Middleton too, who led the team in this initiative by scoring 68 three-point shots this season.”
The collective number of trees equaled the number of three-point shots the Bucks scored at home during the 2017-2018 season – and that means there are now 343 new trees going in the ground.
“The Trees for Trees program was a huge win for communities last year, and this year for schools too,” said Anne Spaltholz, ATC’s director of corporate communications. “ATC supports programs that focus on the environment, education, and health and wellness. Trees for Threes encompasses all three, and these kids have just planted a gift that will keep on giving well into the future.”
“We’re so honored to have five new trees here today,” said Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy Principal Michael Morgan. “It’s especially meaningful for us, being an environmental school. Since two of the trees are apple trees, two are crabapple and one is a magnolia, kids will learn more about cross-pollination. But since all the trees are flowering trees, it just beautifies our entire courtyard.”
“Particularly today, this tree planting is unique because they are flowering ornamentals that will benefit pollinators,” said Spaltholz. “At ATC, we encourage low-growing, compatible vegetation that also benefits pollinators through our pollinator program.”
Nearly 100 students quickly handled business by getting those flowering ornamentals in the ground. And Bango’s take on it all? Well, he’s a deer of few words. But no one could overlook his quiet enthusiasm for the new trees – and for the kids who helped make it all happen.
