Forest Park Recreation Board members, Forest Park School District 91 students and village residents gathered at Betsy Ross Elementary School on Friday to plant an Autumn Gold Ginko tree for the village’s annual Arbor Day celebration.
Arbor Day, April 25 this year, is a nationally recognized day to plant trees – which are vital to reducing water runoff, bettering air quality, and as habitats for animals and bugs.
To recognize the holiday, public works staff planted the Autumn Gold Ginko on Marengo Avenue. The type of tree planted was chosen by Betsy Ross Elementary School staff from a list presented by Sal Stella, public works director for the village.
At the tree planting event, Field-Stevenson Intermediate Elementary School’s Sharks Choir gave a performance. And Betsy Ross students read original poems about trees and the environment.
“Having our students take part in these community events helps them see their role in shaping a better future,” Betsy Ross principal Tinisa Huff said in a statement. “This tree will grow alongside our students as a lasting reminder of care and connection.”
Also at the Arbor Day celebration, attendees posted paper leaves to an interactive tree display, sharing ideas and hopes for a greener future. Geoff Binns-Calvey – husband of Amy Binns-Calvey, president of the rec board – made the painted wooden tree for the community art project. In past years, children have written poems on their paper leaves or about what trees mean to them.
“Planting a tree is a commitment to the future, which is why it is so meaningful to have our local students helping to lead this celebration,” Jessica Voogd, village commissioner, said in a statement.
Forest Park has celebrated Arbor Day since 2020 to show its commitment to sustainability and honoring the village’s natural environment. Forest Park’s Arbor Day also recognizes its young students, the next generation of community stewards.
The first year the village planted a tree, it was at the at the Park District of Forest Park during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, the village planted a China Snow Peking Lilac tree by the public works department, and the following year, it was an Autumn Blaze Maple tree along the Hannah Avenue playground.
2023 was the first year the village’s recreation board organized Arbor Day and planted a cherry dogwood tree at the Forest Park Public Library. And last year, the board planted a beech tree at Reiger Park.
“Our commitment to the care and growth of our urban forests is as important as nurturing our relationships within the village,” added Voogd, who’s the liaison between the recreation board and the village council. “Just as trees grow taller and stronger when they stand together, our community grows and prospers when we unite our efforts and resources.”