Lake Forest Named Tree City USA

Lake Forest has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. It is the 32nd year Lake Forest has received this national recognition

Lake Forest’s Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, April 26 at Mellody Farms, located at 350 N. Waukegan Rd.

One swamp white oak tree will be planted and 2,000 commemorative swamp white oak seedlings will be distributed in public and private elementary schools.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Lake Forest has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community; a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

"Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives," said John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

"Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest. Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economical benefits. A community, and its citizens, that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks."

Founded in 1872, National Arbor Day is a time to appreciate the beauty of trees.