Participating organizations and businesses have planned a variety of free children’s activities including Touch-A-Truck, raptor talk with live birds by Northern Illinois Raptor Center, craft projects, and more. Adults can pick up free plants, join a guided tree identification walk, and participate in educational discussions and demonstrations. The Art Center of Highland Park will facilitate a public art project commemorating the Arbor Day event, which will be on display through May at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
“Our community values sustainable practices and is proud to consistently be named as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. This prestigious designation recognizes that cleaner air, improved stormwater management, and increased property values are just some of the benefits of the program,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate our achievement and continue learning about the value of protecting our trees and environment.”
The City of Highland Park issued its first Sustainability Plan in 2010 and, since then, it has not only implemented many projects and created new policies, but also has embedded sustainable practices and procedures within its departments. Sustainability is truly a routine feature of Highland Park’s municipal operations. This event meets the goals set forth in the plan. Highland Park has been designated a Tree City USA for the past 38 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. In order to earn the designation, a community must have a tree board or department, have a city tree ordinance, maintain a comprehensive forestry program and observe Arbor Day each year.
For more information on the City of Highland Park Arbor Day event, visit the City website at www.cityhpil.com/arborday or call the City Manager’s office at 847.926.1000.
Like and follow Ravinia District of Highland Park and the City of Highland Park on Facebook for other upcoming events including the 2nd Annual Food Truck Thursdays June 7 through September 13.
About the Ravinia District The Ravinia District is comprised of an eclectic mix of small-scale businesses, popular restaurants and food specialty shops, and high-end personal and professional services. All located within a few walkable blocks, this creative, quaint, friendly and historic neighborhood offers nearly anything a person might be looking for. A lovely location to dine before or after visiting the Ravinia Festival or the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia District is just east of Green Bay Road in Highland Park on Roger Williams Avenue and hosts the Ravinia stop on the Metra train service.
Ravinia District’s historic roots as a getaway from Chicago for artists and other creative people led to its establishment as an artists’ colony. Ravinia District remains separated from Downtown and other more commercial business areas.