Even though wintry weather recently forced Highland Park residents indoors to celebrate Arbor Day, they still were able to learn more about the importance of caring for trees, organizers said.
Arbor Day serves as a reminder of the benefits that trees provide for people and also as a reminder not to take them for granted, said Highland Park City Forester Keith O’Herrin.
Residents and neighbors marked the second annual “Arbor Day Celebration” on April 27 inside Ravinia Elementary School. The event originally was scheduled to take place outside at Jens Jensen Park.
“Education on planting, outreach and raising awareness on how to manage trees on public and private property, and ways to preserve existing trees were all part of the event,” O’Herrin said.
Dozens of environmental organizations and area businesses offered attendees lessons, activities and giveaways focused on planting and caring for trees, as well as energy saving, recycling and composting information.
Child-centered activities included a talk with live birds, a plant-a-seed station, a free bike helmet safety check, story time and community interaction with the Highland Park Police and Fire departments.
“We came today because our family likes to encourage embracing nature and all aspects of caring for the environment,” said Chris Huggins, of Highland Park.
Jenni Wong, a Lincolnwood resident who attended the event with her family, said Arbor Day is an important day to celebrate.
“I had a childhood tree and the experience of growing up with a maple tree,” Wong said. “The tree we received today will allow me to share this tradition of planting a tree with my own daughters.”
Highland Park officials also offered free seedling giveaways, of white pine and oak varieties, while ComEd distributed free plants and shrubs including hydrangeas and dwarf boxwood trees.
An expert panel offered advice on choosing the right location and how to care for trees.
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Mayor Nancy Rotering said Highland Park is proud to be consistently named as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation.
“This prestigious designation recognizes that cleaner air, improved stormwater management and increased property values are just some of the benefits of the program,” Rotering said.
O’Herrin said trees, green spaces and urban forests all affect residents in different ways from improved air quality to physical and mental health benefits.
“We need to replant and replenish our urban forests,” he said. “We can’t expect nature to just take care of the tree canopy without our help.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.