We received the following press release from Lowell Light & Power.
Lowell Light & Power Board Chairman Perry Beachum approached General Manager Charlie West with an idea for giving back to the community. Years ago, donated Christmas trees were recycled at the Wittenbach-Wege Agriscience and Environmental Center. Unfortunately, they had to discontinue the event when the chipper was no longer free to use. West agreed that it would be a wonderful gift of Lowell Light & Power’s time and resources to offer the program to the community once again. LL&P team members were very enthusiastic about the project. They contacted the Kent County Fairgrounds who agreed we could designate a space for tree drop off from January 1st through 10th.
Next, LL&P started spreading the word, sending out Press Releases, sharing a message on the marque along Main Street, and posting on social media. Then, they waited and watched as the pile of donated trees grew!
On January 11th, the trees were chipped by six Lowell Light & Power team members, and two employees from the City of Lowell.
The chips will be donated and used along the trails at the Wittenbach-Wege Agriscience and Environmental Center in Lowell, MI. The outdoor learning center includes 140 acres of forest, wetlands and open fields, just waiting to be explored. The trails are open 365 days a year, from dawn til dusk and are open to the public at no charge.
“Lowell’s community members have really come together to support this program. They’ve shared our social media posts and spread the word in local Facebook groups. We have also received a few calls from customers to simply thank us for this event. It’s a great feeling to provide such a simple service that continues to give back. This has truly been a “Public Powered” event,” said Emily Mackie, LL&P’s Communications Specialist. “We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!”
All photos courtesy of Lowell Light & Power.
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