Background
Background
In the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022 Alderwoman Hetherington along with other University of Illinois Extension master gardeners/ master naturalists and community volunteers performed a tree inventory of the trees on Leland Grove’s property under the direction of Trees Forever. Some of these volunteers assisted with tree inventories in other Illinois Communities including Taylorville, Cantrall and Carrollton. Trees Forever, a multi-state environmental non-profit organization, whose mission is to plant and care for trees and natural areas by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship, provided the resources and guidance through its Recover, Replant, Restore! Program, https:/treesforever.org/recover-replant-restore/. The trees that were inventoried were only those that are owned by the City, such as the right-of-way in front of private property, parks and boulevards.
This inventory was the first step in becoming a Tree City USA. Three residents who helped with inventory were recruited to be members of Leland Grove’s Tree Board.
- Jim Moll, previously an Alderman for Ward 2 and retired engineer from Hanson Engineers
- Inez Berg, retired director for Washington Park Botanicals and current oversight for the trees at the Muni
- William “Bill” Crook, graphic artist.
Alderman Hetherington was named the chair of the newly formed Tree Board.
One of the first tasks the Tree Board completed was to revise its current tree ordinance to model that drafted by Trees Forever. City Council officially approved the ordinance (#454), the tree board and named City Administrator Tyler Lanier as the tree administrator at its August, 2022 City Council meeting..
Leland Grove Tree Board Members and Contact information (Diana)
|
Name |
|
Cell Phone |
Home Phone |
|
Inez Berg |
goodzeyberg@gmail.com |
341-2752 |
|
|
Bill Crook |
|
726-2072 |
|
|
Diana Hetherington |
goldlady@ameritech.net |
836-1831 |
546-5984 |
|
Jim Moll |
nancy.moll@comcast.net |
652-9482 |
787-1467 |
Tree City USA
Arbor Day
Leland Grove held its first Arbor Day Celebration on Sunday, November 20, 2022. This event marked the final step for Leland Grove to apply for a Tree City USA Certification.
The first Arbor Day Tree was planted along the walking path between Bates and Sylvan.
Special thanks to:
- First Congregational UCC for the use of facilities, parking and support for this event.
- Springfield Civic Garden Club and its Arbor Day Committee for providing an activity table for the children.
- Leland Grove Tree Board for donating the native Swamp White Oak.
The second Arbor Day was held Sunday, October 15, 2023. A black Tupelo was planted along the walking path on Outer Park between Sylvan and Wiggins.
Special Thanks to:
- First Congregational Church for the use of facilities, parking and support for this event.
- Springfield Civic Garden Club and its Arbor Day Committee for providing an activity table for the children.
- Greenview Company for donating the native Black Tupelo.
Memorial Trees:
Volunteer Opportunities:
On this tab we would also provide links to the following:
-List of approved and not approved trees (Bill's handout)
-Big tree registry and photos (Bill)
-Approved Arborists (Updated annually by Tyler)
-Ordinance for trees on City right-of-way