Arbor Day celebration and poster contest winners announced

The City of Joliet has been named a “Tree City USA” for the 35th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. In recognition of this milestone achievement and Arbor Day, a celebration will take place on Friday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Lynne Thigpen Elementary School, located at 207 S. Midland Avenue.

At the Tuesday, April 21 City Council Meeting, Mayor Terry D’Arcy welcomed the winners of Thigpen Elementary’s Arbor Day Poster Contest and thanked the students for their participation.

This year’s winners are:

• First Place – Ruby Giardina

• Second Place – Dalia Ramirez Rios

• Third Place (Tie) – Olivia Guardiola and Julissa Terrazas

“Being named a Tree City USA for the 35th consecutive year reflects Joliet’s long-standing commitment to growing and maintaining a healthy urban forest,” said Mayor D’Arcy. “It’s especially meaningful to celebrate Arbor Day alongside our students and recognize this year’s poster contest winners, who are helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

The City of Joliet is currently undergoing a complete survey of its trees in parkways and public areas. Funding, in part, comes from a federal Inflation Reduction Act Grant, administered by The Chicago Region Trees Initiative/Morton Arboretum. Results from the survey will be used to complete an Urban Forest Management Plan that will aid in maintaining the health, diversity, and longevity of Joliet’s urban forest and assist in identifying future tree planting locations.

“With nearly 80% of a city’s trees located on residential properties, we encourage residents to be active partners in expanding our tree canopy by planting and caring for trees in their own yards,” said Rita Renwick, Chairperson of Joliet’s Tree Advisory Board. “Trees are more than just part of the landscape; they’re essential to our well-being. Research consistently shows that spending time in green spaces improves both physical and mental health, from lowering blood pressure and stress to even helping people live longer. Every tree planted is an investment in the health of our entire community.”

At the April 24 celebration, students will help plant a swamp white oak tree donated by Spring Grove Nursery with labor donated by iTrees. City officials will also be present. For more about the event, contact Sandy Zalewski, Director of Communications & Development for Joliet Public Schools District 86 at 815-740-3196.