CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne Urban Forestry Division has announced that the Laramie County Conservation District is contributing a lightly used John Deere tractor and a field mower that will greatly assist Urban Forestry’s work at the High Plains Arboretum.
“We are so grateful for this generous contribution to the arboretum,” said Jessica Friis, horticulturist at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and driving force behind the preservation of the facility. “The arboretum is a large space with a very limited staff and budget, and the tractor will greatly improve our capacity to care for the plants. With the new equipment, we can maximize our productivity to accomplish as much as possible for the benefit of this historic and growing collection of trees.”
LCCD manager Shaun Kirkwood made the contribution on behalf of the LCCD Board of Supervisors and is hopeful this equipment will help the city better maintain the arboretum.
“The arboretum is a place of history and education,” Kirkwood said. “Years of trials and science projects conducted at the arboretum help contribute to everyday conservation, development, and BMP’s [Best Management Practices] utilized by agencies far and wide. The Laramie County Conservation District wants to assist in the management of the arboretum by contributing this equipment for upkeep and advancement of this jewel moving forward.”
In the past, the city has contracted the mowing of the 60-acre arboretum area. This new addition to the city’s fleet will help reduce costs and will also assist with other maintenance needs that will make a difference to the overall appearance of the site. The tractor and mower will be in service for the city soon.
“The LCCD has been a great partner and has done so much in our community to support environmental conservation and education,” said Urban Forestry manager Mark Ellison.
For further information, call the Forestry Division at 307-637-6428 or email mobrien@cheyennecity.org or mellison@cheyennecity.org.
