Wyoming Soldiers team up with local non-profit to plant trees in Laramie

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By Sgt. Rachael Tofflemeyer, 197th Public Affairs Detachment

LARAMIE, Wyo. - On June 14, 2025,

Soldiers from the Wyoming Army National Guard's 94th Troop Command volunteered with Rooted in Laramie, a local non-profit organization, to support a large-scale tree planting event aimed at growing and strengthening the city's urban forest. Rooted in Laramie is dedicated to developing a long-term urban forestry program by providing affordable access to trees for residents, along with education on tree care, according to their program.

For just $50, homeowners receive a well-established tree, as well as planting services, mulch, and care instructions. The organization's mission also supports broader environmental goals by promoting biodiversity and encouraging community involvement.
The event saw more than 70 trees planted across neighborhoods throughout Laramie. Wyoming Soldiers joined dozens of local volunteers to plant a variety of tree species, highlighting the growing collaboration between the Wyoming Army National Guard and the communities it serves.

"We're a completely volunteer organization with people who come from all sorts of backgrounds. We usually have 70 to 80 volunteers at our tree planting events," said Hilery Lindmier, board member for Rooted in Laramie. "It was fun to have all the Soldiers there. The board was super impressed. They worked like machines."

The ongoing partnership between the Wyoming Army National Guard and Rooted in Laramie reflects the positive impact of civic collaboration according to Sgt. Joseph Burns, 197th Public Affairs Detachment mass communication specialist. Through efforts like this, Laramie continues to grow greener and stronger, one tree at a time.

Soldiers from the 94th Troop Command volunteered their morning to plant trees in support of urban forestry in Laramie, Wyo., June 14, 2025. The unit partnered with Rooted in Laramie, a nonprofit organization focused on developing a long-term tree planting program that promotes community involvement through volunteerism and education on proper tree planting and care. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Rachael Tofflemeyer)Soldiers from the 94th Troop Command volunteered their morning to plant trees in support of urban forestry in Laramie, Wyo., June 14, 2025. The unit partnered with Rooted in Laramie, a nonprofit organization focused on developing a long-term tree planting program that promotes community involvement through volunteerism and education on proper tree planting and care. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Cadet Samantha Butkovich)Soldiers from the 94th Troop Command volunteered their morning to plant trees in support of urban forestry in Laramie, Wyo., June 14, 2025. The unit partnered with Rooted in Laramie, a nonprofit organization focused on developing a long-term tree planting program that promotes community involvement through volunteerism and education on proper tree planting and care. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Cadet Samantha Butkovich)Soldiers from the 94th Troop Command volunteered their morning to plant trees in support of urban forestry in Laramie, Wyo., June 14, 2025. The unit partnered with Rooted in Laramie, a nonprofit organization focused on developing a long-term tree planting program that promotes community involvement through volunteerism and education on proper tree planting and care. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Cadet Samantha Butkovich)Soldiers from the 94th Troop Command volunteered their morning to plant trees in support of urban forestry in Laramie, Wyo., June 14, 2025. The unit partnered with Rooted in Laramie, a nonprofit organization focused on developing a long-term tree planting program that promotes community involvement through volunteerism and education on proper tree planting and care. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Rachael Tofflemeyer)Soldiers from the 94th Troop Command volunteered their morning to plant trees in support of urban forestry in Laramie, Wyo., June 14, 2025. The unit partnered with Rooted in Laramie, a nonprofit organization focused on developing a long-term tree planting program that promotes community involvement through volunteerism and education on proper tree planting and care. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Rachael Tofflemeyer)