The local community is still reaping the benefits from the Green Bay Packers' successful 2014 season, as several hundred trees donated through the Packers' "First Downs for Trees" program were picked up by Brown County communities today.
Now wrapping up its fifth year, the program has donated 530 trees to be planted in northeastern Wisconsin, based on contributions made for each first down the team gained during the 2014 season.
Prior to this year's contributions, the program had received more than $155,000 in support, resulting in the planting of 2,700 trees, providing total lifetime benefits in excess of $13.3 million.
The trees, which will be planted in 17 local municipalities, were provided by Tillman Nursery, Meacham Nursery and Leaves Inspired, thanks to the program's co-sponsors, SCA and Green Bay Packaging Inc.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Public Service help to administer the program, which is part of the Packers' Green Team initiative that aims to use renewable resources and increase sustainable practices each day at Lambeau Field. In total, "First Downs for Trees" has donated more than 3,200 trees to communities in Brown County since the 2011 season.