Members of the Lake Zurich Tree Commission and a host of volunteers planted a heritage white oak tree as part of observance of Arbor Day.
The white oak tree is between 8 and 10 years old, currently about 15 feet tall and will likely grow to be more than 70 feet tall, according to event organizers.
People gathered in Paulus Park April 27 – behind what is known as the barn community building – to witness the tree planting.
“It is a robust group of people today,” said Marisa Boynton, special events recreation supervisor for the village’s Office of Park and Recreation.
She said additional aspects were added to the day’s activities this year.
“We were very fortunate to have SWALCO [Solid Waste Agency of Lake County] partner with us with the shredding truck and the compost,” Boynton said.
Additional activities included a sapling giveaway – spruce and white pine – by the village.
Boynton called the turnout for the event “amazing.”
The Ancient Oaks Foundation of Lake Zurich held a pop up plant sale in partnership with Green Guerrilla, an Elgin land management company, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the foundation. The Ancient Oaks Foundation gave away American plum bare root saplings with the purchase of a native plant.
“It’s a great day to celebrate Arbor Day, and getting more native plants and trees in the ground,” said Alicia Timm, volunteer chair of Ancient Oaks Foundation.
During the white oak tree planting, the sun burst out for a short window of time.
“It’s important to be here and just doing what we’re doing in general, because without replanting these canopies, these trees are having a really hard time regrowing on their own. Without replanting those canopies, we lose the oaks,” said Kevin Scheiwiller, Lake Zurich Tree Commission board member.
Scott Garrison, of Lake Zurich, chair of theTree Commission, also attended.
“My message is how important trees are to the community, and that we have to care for existing trees and new trees and keep expanding the urban forest because it will help us with climate change,” Garrison said.
There was even mention at the event of the pending emergence of cicadas. The idea was broached with anticipation and excitement.
“It’s a party, it’s a big deal,” Mary Kozub, president of the Ancient Oaks Foundation and vice-chair of theTree Commission, said about the cicadas – which are supposed to appear in the coming days.
People were encouraged to collect debris in the park and families participated in a community clean up.
Village Trustee Greg Weider said the cleanup offered key takeaways – especially for kids: “Taking personal responsibility to pick up that piece of litter when you’re in the park. It’s also about taking the time to learn about your natural environment and how you can make a difference.”
Laura Rogers, Girl Scout Troop 1728 troop leader and one of the service unit managers for the Lake Zurich Girl Scouts, chaperoned scouts who were pursuing their silver award level Scouting project.
“I think every generation that convinces their kids to be better stewards of their environment,” said Rogers, “does a better job … of protecting the environment.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
