100 for Humboldt: Group raises money to replace trees in Bay View park

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Visitors to Humboldt Park have probably noticed something missing in the 73-acre park – trees.

More than 80 mature trees have been cut down in the past 12 months, leaving large areas of the park without shade. In the past five years, nearly 200 trees have been removed from the popular Bay View park because of disease, infestation or weather damage.

Humboldt Park Friends (HPF), a nonprofit volunteer group working to improve the park, recently launched its 100 for Humboldt campaign to replace the large number of trees that have been removed.

Mike Bubolz, vice president of HPF, says their goal is to raise $25,000 to plant 100 hardwood trees in the park within the next few years. 

The organization says if enough money is raised, some trees could be planted this November or next spring.

According to Bubolz, nearly 3,000 trees have been removed from Milwaukee County Parks within the last ten years due to infection, infestation, and weather conditions.

He says 100 healthy trees would remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year. They would also absorb about 139,000 gallons of rainwater per year.

Several fundraisers have been created to raise money for the initiative. The next event is the 100 for Humboldt Bocce Tournament taking place at Humboldt Park on August 10. Tickets to participate have sold out, but the festival is free to spectators and includes food, drinks, games, and music.

Residents can purchase a tree for $250 or donate to the fund at the Humboldt Park Friends website here.