Just imagine…riding 583 miles all for the benefit of trees

On Sunday, July 27, American Transmission Co. Vegetation Management Specialist Ben Gura will join nearly 100 other cyclists as they kick off the STIHL Tour des Trees. Since 1992, riders have generated nearly $7 million for The TREE Fund. This will be Gura’s second Tour.

“I’ve made a living removing and pruning trees, so when I see an opportunity to give something back to the trees I jump on it,” said Gura.

The STIHL Tour des Trees rolls out from Milwaukee and includes stops throughout central and southeast Wisconsin. ATC is sponsoring the Tour’s July 30 stop in New London. At 11 a.m. in Hatton Park, Toronto arborist and veteran Tour cyclist Warren Hoselton, also known as “Professor Elwood Pricklethorn,” will present a free kid-friendly short course in tree science. The professor will be joined by renowned Wisconsin gardening expert Melinda Myers, who will talk about the importance of trees and how to Grow Smart by planting them a safe distance from high-voltage transmission lines. The 45-minute program will focus on how trees grow, where and how to plant trees to increase their longevity and what kids can do to care for the trees. The TREE Fund mission aligns with ATC’s environmental policy ─ benefitting people, trees and the environment.

ATC is a Tree Line USA utility with environmental designations from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality. Subscribe to our blog for event updates and photos in the days to come.