ELLSWORTH – Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), a steadfast advocate for community well-being, celebrated Earth and Arbor Days by engaging in meaningful acts of service. As part of its commitment to community, the cooperative is dedicated to environmental stewardship and making a positive impact on local ecosystems.

On Earth Day, PPCS donated poles, a crew, and a bucket truck to install two bat houses at Holden Park, Arkansaw, Wisconsin. Each house can host up to 600 bats, or 1,200 between the two houses. Pepin County purchased the bat houses and will work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to monitor the bats. Jess McMahon, director of land conservation and planning with Pepin County, stated that the monitoring will require them to kayak on the Chippewa River at night.

On Thursday, April 25, PPCS employees spent the afternoon cleaning and maintaining the cooperative’s headquarters buildings and grounds. Projects included repairing drainage issues around the building, window cleaning, recycling, cleaning out flower beds, and more.

PPCS employees fanned out across the cooperative’s service territory on Arbor Day to deliver white pine seedlings to area fourth graders. The cooperative pays for packaging the tree seedlings, so there is no cost to the students, teachers, schools, or taxpayers. The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters recognize PPCS as a Tree Line USA utility for its ongoing commitment to tree planting, quality tree care, and public education.

“We are pleased that we can use our resources to support these programs that enhance the quality of life for everyone,” said Nate Boettcher, PPCS president and CEO. “Being good environmental stewards benefits us all.”

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services