Village of Rochester starts arboretum with support from ATC
The Village of Rochester recently planted 11 trees thanks to a $2,000 grant from American Transmission Co.’s Community Planting Program. The trees, a mix of birch, oak, honey locust and cypress, were planted near the village hall and public library.
“Many of the trees in our village are nearing the end of their lifecycle,” said Director of Public Works Christopher Birkett. “With this grant from ATC, we’re able to start a small arboretum to help diversify our local tree population, along with providing shade and additional natural beauty in our community.”
The trees were planted by a small community leadership team comprised of Birkett, Village President Ed Chart, Village Trustees Christopher Bennett and Leslie Kinsey, and Village Parks Subcommittee Chairman John Monsen. Rochester has a population of over 3,500 people and is located in Western Racine County, between Burlington and Waterford, Wis.
ATC’s Community Planting Program enables us to encourage and support communities to plant trees and vegetation that beautify the landscape in a way that doesn’t compromise the safety and reliability of the electric transmission system. The Program provides financial support to eligible cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes in ATC’s service area for planting projects on public property, outside transmission line rights-of-way. Program funds can be used to plant trees and other tall-growing vegetation outside the transmission line rights-of-way. Since 2013, ATC has awarded approximately 240 communities and organizations with funds totaling more than $425,000.
ATC accepts applications from July 1 through Sept. 30, and award recipients are selected and notified by the end of the year. Awards range from $100 to $5,000. Additional information and program applications can be found at atc-GrowSmart.com.
