The Rhinelander Community Foundation and the City of Rhinelander are pleased to announce a generous gift of fifty thousand dollars to the Urban Forestry Fund by Gale Willcox. The Rhinelander Urban Forestry Fund was established in 2023 at the Rhinelander Community Foundation to carry out the Urban Forestry program in the City of Rhinelander.
Tom Jerow, the appointed City Forester, said the donation took his breath away. “The need to manage our urban forest is great, and it exceeds the City’s ability to fund a sustainable urban tree canopy.” A recently completed management plan identified almost one thousand locations where trees could be planted. Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borer, and street projects have severely impacted the city’s canopy. According to the US Forest Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, urban trees help to filter air and water, control stormwater, conserve energy, and provide animal habitat and shade. They add beauty, form, and structure to an urban design by reducing noise and providing places to recreate. Urban forest strengthens social cohesion, spurs community revitalization, and adds economic value to our communities.
Having grown up close to nature in rural Illinois, Gale Willcox intuitively understands and supports the importance of trees to our community. “When I was young, my parents vacationed in northern Wisconsin. Later, my husband and I moved to Rhinelander and invested in a resort property. We have always loved trees and the Northwoods.”
Mayor Kristopher Hanus is also grateful for the donation and similarly supports our urban forestry program. “No doubt our efforts to invest in and replace our aging sewer, water, and street projects have impacted trees. The city is committed to maintaining our current funding for our tree program. This generous donation will be additive and not take away from our commitment to maintaining and replanting trees.” Jerow added that, “These funds will help us plant a diversity of tree species and provide resistance and resilience to disturbances including climate change and pests and disease. It’s also important to plant the right tree in the right space to avoid conflict with utilities and other infrastructure.”
“We are extremely grateful for Gale’s entire donation to The Rhinelander Community Foundation, totaling $100,000, of which $50,000 is going to the Urban Forestry Fund.” says Gina Heck, the Foundation’s president. The Rhinelander Community Foundation has specific established funds where you can donate and be ensured that your donation helps the charity that is most meaningful for you. The overall mission of The RCF is to help make our community a better place to live.
