Leland Grove Tree Board

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	Email	Cell Phone	Home Phone
Inez Berg	goodzeyberg@gmail.com	341-2752
Bill Crook	bill.h.crook@gmail.com		726-2072
Diana Hetherington	goldlady@ameritech.net	836-1831	546-5984
Jim Moll	nancy.moll@comcast.net	652-9482	787-1467

Tree City USA

The benefits of trees in an urban environment are endless:

Cooler temperatures in the summer
Boosts property values
Cleans the air
Reduce storm water runoff
They look good all year long

Leland Grove is blessed with a concentration of beautiful urban trees large and small. They represent one of the most distinguishing characteristics of our City. In appreciation of this, the City has applied for and been granted recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day foundation.

To achieve this we have:

Formed a Tree Board
Established a tree care ordinance
Inventoried trees on City property
Developed and maintained a community forestry program
Proclaimed and observed Arbor Day

The City and Tree Board will now work to enhance our urban forest, maintain these resources, educate citizens about the value of our trees, and increase emphasis on planning and care.

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:

The City of Leland Grove is offering residents the opportunity to honor a person or celebrate an event by planting a tree on City right-of-way. Give the gift that keeps Growing! The Memorial Tree Program is designed to add trees to our community. You may purchase a tree as a way to remember a loved one, celebrate a birth, or commemorate a special event or an anniversary.

Your tree can be a special symbol or a gift that you may enjoy for years to come. At the same time, our city will continue to grow in beauty for all residents to enjoy.

As a donor, you may select a tree(s) from a list of shade, ornamental or evergreen trees. Included in the price of the tree are planting, care and replacement if necessary, along with a memorial plaque. The exact location of the tree will be determined in cooperation with the City staff. For information, contact Diana Hetherington (217) 836-1831.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Our City takes its name from the groves of trees on the old Leland Farm on which it is located. Our trees, some of which likely date back to those rural days, remain among the defining characteristics of our community. Past surveys have always indicated that our trees, along with our police and public works crew, are what residents like most about Leland Grove. Our numerous large, beautiful trees contribute much to the unique residential character of our neighborhoods.

The Leland Grove Tree Board was formed to help the City maintain and enhance the trees on City property and help insure the long term viability of this natural resource. We are looking for volunteers to assist us in these efforts. Some of the tasks we have undertaken include:

Inventory the trees on City property
Develop and maintain a big tree registry
Plant trees as part on an annual Arbor Day celebration
Assist the public works staff in tree trimming and brush clearing
Work with residents to develop a Memorial Tree program
Maintain the City's recognition as a Tree City USA

If you are interested in serving on the Tree Board or assisting in these or other tasks please contact Diana Hetherington, goldlady@ameritech.netor 217 836-1831.