Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why are so many trees suddenly labeled around Evanston?
Spotted on the Evanston calendar: High Holidays In-person and on Zoom

Coffee in hand, Evanston? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why are so many trees suddenly labeled around Evanston?
- How Evanston's railroads still shape your commute and neighborhood future
- How Evanston spent the final moments of beach season
Also on today's calendar: High Holidays In-person and on Zoom and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 83 and low of 73 degrees.
- Wednesday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 79, low: 67.
- Thursday: Sunny; pleasant, less humid, with a high of 76 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. What's that tree? (evanstonnow.com) — You may have noticed new painted labels on trees around Evanston, from the 2nd Ward to spots near the public library, Robert Crown, and local parks. A Field Museum botanist and neighbors have already tagged about 250 trees, hoping to spark curiosity and pride in the city's 32,000-strong urban forest and eventually involve more residents.
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2. Platform 60201: A history of Evanston's railroads (dailynorthwestern.com subscription) — Evanston's rail lines, from early streetcars to today's Purple and Metra trains, have shaped everything from Northwestern's founding to local housing growth. This history piece also explains current debates over restoring Yellow Line service in South Evanston and how transit-oriented development could influence future neighborhoods and businesses across town.
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3. Farewell to a season in the sun (evanstonroundtable.com) — Evanston's official beach season just wrapped up, with Greenwood and the city's five other beaches packed on the final day as lifeguards cleared swimmers from the warm lake. Longtime residents, first-time visitors, and families shared food, memories, and bittersweet feelings, already promising to return when the shoreline reopens next year.
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4. French Fest Evanston debuts at Fountain Square (evanstonroundtable.com) — Downtown Evanston's Fountain Square just hosted the first-ever French Fest Evanston, filling the plaza with French food, local vendors, and a playful dog costume contest. Newer residents and longtime locals mingled with North Shore businesses, patisseries, and cultural groups, hinting this celebration of French culture could become a regular neighborhood favorite.
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📸 Around Evanston
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Evanston
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- High Holidays In-person and on Zoom →
Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
6:00 pm - Aitz Hayim High Holiday services →
Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
6:00 pm
Friday September 11
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Lunchtime Curiosity Cafe - Evanston's Murals →
Evanston IL - Lobster lovers get ready, Happy Lobster rolls + more are headed your way! Order by 10am. →
3:00 pm - Evanston Wine Walk 2026 →
The Main-Dempster Mile Business District, Chicago & Main, Evanston - Pequod's famous caramelized-crust pizza, delivered. Order by noon Tuesday. →
3:00 pm - Artist Reception: Val Zee →
2126 Central St.
5:30 pm - Jamming Jean - Free Concert featuring Soul 2 The Bone Band →
Levy Senior Center | James Park, 300 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL, 60202
5:00 pm - Jeanie B! Trio (Free Children's Concert) →
1417 Hinman Ave, Evanston
10:00 am - Evanston Cars & Coffee →
Sherman Avenue, Sherman Ave, Evanston
9:30 am - EAC portfolio Day 2026 →
Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St, Evanston
10:00 am - "There's a Higher Power: Celebrating the Music of the Louvin Brothers" →
American Legion, 1030 Central St, Evanston
7:30 pm
Wednesday September 9
Thursday September 10
Friday September 11
Thursday September 17
Friday September 18
Saturday September 19
Sunday September 20
Friday September 25
📣 Evanston Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Evanston PatchAM possible:
- Skillz Physical Therapy — (847) 859-6240
- PEER Services, Inc. — (847) 492-1778
- ORC Chicago - Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Centers — (773) 878-6233
- Stephens Dentistry — 8478648151
- Up Closets of Chicago — (847) 316-0308
- British International School of Chicago, South Loop — (773) 312-3956
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hunt Helps ETHS Girls Bounce Back From First Loss —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
- Kit Girls Turn Up The Heat In Flag Romp —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
- Seniors Celebrate With Third Straight Win —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
- I am hoping to settle this because I keep changing my mind….
We are moving to another suburb, and I am sad to leave Evanston, but new house is only around 40 minutes away. I am trying to decide if it makes… (Nextdoor Golf McCormick) - Based on personality, what kind of insect would you be??
I Googled, an insect that's Observant, Quiet, Kinda Impatient and Silly...it said I'm a Praying Mantis! (Nextdoor Robert Crown)
- Advantage Solutions posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser in Evanston. Apply here.
- Compass Consulting Group posted a job opening for Quality Assurance Manager in Morton Grove. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Evanston here.
Ok Evanston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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