Tree-Loving Lawyer: 90 Trees Planted for 90th Birthday Bash

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - For most individuals, birthdays are celebrated with cakes and candles.

Robert F. Wagner, a longtime Indianapolis attorney and co-founder of the Lewis Wagner & Trimble Lawyers A law firm in Indianapolis opted for a lasting legacy by selecting trees as gifts.

To celebrate his 90th birthday, Wagner is donating 90 trees - one for each year of his life - to his law firm colleagues as a tribute to both his milestone and the city he's long served.

Wagner stated in an announcement a news release Planting a tree symbolizes optimism. Now at 90 years old, I find myself increasingly contemplating our legacy. These saplings represent my gratitude—not only to my team but also to this wonderful city we inhabit.

DIGS Garden Center Situated mere steps away from the company’s premises in the North Mass district, these individuals procured and disseminated the saplings. Every employee at each legal office can expect to be allocated anywhere from one to three trees, contingent upon the room designated for cultivation. Additionally, personnel will pinpoint the exact spots of their respective trees on a dynamic urban chart crafted by the organizers of this initiative.

Ashley "AJ" Justice, who serves as the general manager at DIGS, stated in an official announcement, "The donation will be advantageous for both employees of Lewis Wagner and the broader community of Indianapolis and further regions. City trees enhance air quality, decrease stormwater overflow, and diminish summer heat levels."

The impact Wagner had on his community over many years is significant. During the 1990s, he spearheaded initiatives to plant numerous trees along West Street, an effort that resulted in him receiving the state’s prestigious Outstanding Individual for Urban Forestry honor. Since 1995, he has held positions such as chairperson or vice-chairperson at the White River State Park Development Commission.

Debra Dowdy, the chief operating officer at Lewis Wagner, stated in the announcement, "Upon hearing Mr. Wagner’s plans for celebrating his 90th birthday, I immediately knew which company to contact. DIGS is a local small enterprise and an ideal match for this considerate project."

The 90 Trees for 90 Years initiative upholds Wagner's enduring dedication to environmental responsibility and community spirit, fueled by appreciation and cultivated through decades of public service.