Part of what makes Highland Park so special is its thriving and robust urban canopy of approximately 30,000 street and public trees. 2024 will be the City's 44th year as a designated Tree City USA, and will mark the 6th annual Arbor Day Celebration in the Ravinia neighborhood. “Arbor Day has become a milestone event in the community, marking the end of winter and the blossoming of the new growing season” says City of Highland Park Forester, Ben Miller.
In 2024, the City of Highland Park, led by the Forestry Division, hosted by Ravinia Festival, and with the support of community partners has put together a lineup of fun, educational, and unique activities, stations, and giveaways:
Oak seedlings and coloring books, presented by the City of Highland Park
Milkweed plants, presented by the Park District of Highland Park
Seed packets and e-tool demonstrations, presented by Bartlett Tree Care
Kids’ hardhats and Touch-A-Truck experience, presented by Advanced Tree Care
Tree seedlings, tree planting demonstrations, and another Touch-A-Truck experience, presented by Davey Tree Care Experts
Kitchen compost pails and confidential document shredding, presented by SWALCO
Meet & greet with birds of prey, presented by Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education
Electric vehicle showcase, presented by Go Green Highland Park
Support from LRS has made the Arbor Day Celebration possible.
Speaking of the impact the City’s Arbor Day Celebration will have, Miller says, “the City’s goal is to remind residents of the importance and value of trees in the Highland Park community. Furthermore, as stewards of the Highland Park ecosystem, we are all tasked with ensuring the urban forest endures the challenges of climate change. In particular, the community’s heritage as an Oak-Hickory forest.”
Celebrate Highland Park's deep-rooted commitment to the environment on Arbor Day, Saturday, April 27, at the Ravinia West Lot (301 Ravinia Park Road). This event is going to be so fun, you'll never want to leaf!