Saturday Tree Planting in Oak Lawn Needs Volunteers

OAK LAWN, IL -- Do you have a passion for nature and trees? Looking to complete community service hours for high school? The Village of Oak Lawn Forestry Department invites residents to participate in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to help restore Oak Lawn’s urban canopy. Storms and the emerald ash borer have taken a toll on the village’s trees. Join your neighbors this Saturday, June 1, for some tree planting throughout the village.

Volunteers will gather at 52nd Avenue and 100th Street (northeast corner) at 9 a.m. Trees will also be planted at Harker Park and Columbus Manor Park. No experience is necessary and volunteers will be provided with all the tools they need for planting and a chance to leave a legacy for generations to come. Wear closed-toed shoes (no flip flops) and work gloves. Water will be provided.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the largest conservation undertaking in the nation. Trees play an important role as “absorbers” of pollutants and can save up to 25% to 35% of taxpayer dollars to cover the costs of other remediation technologies.

For more information, contact village forester Heather Stevenson by phone at 708-499-7098 or by email at hstevenson@oaklawn-il.gov.