Officials from Forest Park’s recreation board, public works department and library were joined by District 91 students Friday for the village’s annual tree planting in honor of Arbor Day.
Public Works Director Sal Stella speaks about Forest Park’s trees at tree planting on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Commissioner Jessica Voogd, far left, speaks at the 2026 Arbor Day tree planting | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor 
Department of Public Works workers plant a tulip tree sapling on April 24, 2026 | Todd Bannor
The village planted a tree on the parkway in the 800 block of Beloit on April 24. This was a part of the village’s Arbor Day event every spring since 2020. The planting celebrates Forest Park’s commitment to sustainability and the village’s natural environment. Students from local schools often attend the tree plantings, recognizing the next generation of community stewards.
Commissioner Jessica Voogd hosted the celebration, and Mayor Rory Hoskins and Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin were also in attendance. Director of Public Works Sal Stella shared with attendees how the village is keeping its urban forest healthy, plus some fun facts, like how the most common tree in Forest Park is the red maple.