City of Highland Park and Ravinia District Host Arbor Day Event

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The City of Highland Park, in partnership with the Ravinia District, announces the Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 28 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave. More than a dozen green-friendly organizations and local businesses will offer activities and projects focused on planting and caring for trees. On a first come, first serve basis, the City will give away 500 free oak tree seedlings ready for planting. The event is free, family friendly, and open to the public.

Participating organizations and businesses have planned a variety of free children’s activities including Touch-A-Truck, raptor talk with live birds by Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education, craft projects, and more. Adults can pickup free plants, join a guided tree identification walk, and particpate in educational discussions and demonstrations. The Art Center of Highland Park will facilitate a public art project commemorating the Arbor Day event, which will be on display through May at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave.

“Our community values sustainable practices and is proud to consistenty be named as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. This prestigous designation recognizes that cleaner air, improved storm water management, and increased property values are just some of the benefits of the program,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate our achievement and continue learning about the value of protecting our trees and environment.”

The City of Highland Park issued its first Sustainability Plan in 2010 and, since then, it has not only implemented many projects and created new policies, but also has embedded sustainable practices and procedures within its departments. Sustainability is truly a routine feature of Highland Park’s municipal operations. This event meets the goals set forth in the plan. Highland Park has been designated a Tree City USA for the past 38 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. In order to earn the designation, a community must have a tree board or department, have a city tree ordinance, maintain a comprehensive forestry program and observe Arbor Day each year.

For more information on the City of Highland Park Arbor Day event, visit the City website at www.cityhpil.com/arborday or call the City Manager’s office at 847.926.1000.

Like and follow Ravinia District of Highland Park and the City of Highland Park on Facebook for other upcoming events including the 2nd Annual Food Truck Thursdays June 7 through September 13 .