2023 Green Gift Recipients - Wausau

Monk Botanical Garden's Native Prairie Project Receives Boost from Cellcom's Green Gifts

Monk Botanical Garden is blooming thanks to a $1,000 Green Gift from Cellcom. This generous donation supports the establishment of a native prairie habitat, an initiative aimed at educating the public on sustainable, environmentally friendly landscaping.

Person holding donation check for Cellcom's Green Gift program.

This transformative project will be developed in stages, with each section being planted annually. The project aims to inspire homeowners to replicate a small prairie habitat in their yards, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. The beauty of prairie plants is that they establish deep roots, making them drought-resistant and low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering.

The Green Gift comes from Cellcom's unique initiative— their phone recycling program. This program is an environmental double whammy, encouraging electronic waste reduction while generating funds for green nonprofit initiatives. A total of 26 organizations, including Monk Botanical Garden, received a share of $23,000 in Green Gifts from Cellcom this year.

Over the past two decades, Cellcom's recycling program has generated an impressive $604,206 for local charities. The company, a subsidiary of Nsight, operates its own regional network to provide wireless and broadband services in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Known for its exceptional customer care and commitment to community partnerships, Cellcom continues to uphold its reputation by supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and environment preservation.

Darcie Howard, the executive director at Monk Botanical Gardens, praised the donation. "This Green Gift from Cellcom enables us to take a significant step forward in our prairie project. It's a testimony to the company's commitment to support local green initiatives and foster education around sustainable practices," said Howard.

By choosing to recycle your old cell phone with Cellcom, you too can contribute to their ongoing support of sustainability and green nonprofit organizations.

View a full list of recipients here.