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Glendale Heights highlights urban forestry gains, plans 325 new trees and sets Unity Day for Aug. 9
Summary
City staff reported 8,376 village trees in 2025, 459 planted and 560 trimmed; a Trees Forever grant and awards (Tree City USA 29th year, Tree City Growth Award) supported planting. Separately, the board set Unity Day for Aug. 9 as the conclusion to a weekend of cultural events and sought volunteers.
Glendale Heights staff presented an urban forestry update at the April 16 meeting, reporting the village inventory and planting strategy and announcing recognition for its tree programs.
Urban forestry update: Staff said the village has 8,376 trees across public properties representing 118 species. In 2025 the village planted 459 trees and trimmed over 560; in 2026 staff aim to add 325 new trees and continue community programs such as "Hug a Tree" and youth and scout planting efforts supported by a Trees Forever grant that provided more than 100 trees. The village also reported receiving the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA designation for the 29th consecutive year and the Tree City Growth Award for the 11th consecutive year.
Speakers emphasized ecological benefits: presenters noted trees can reduce urban temperatures by as much as 10 degrees and improve the village's urban canopy and resilience. Staff encouraged residents to participate in Arbor Day activities and in the village's "Hug a Tree" campaign.
Unity Day: Separately, board members set a Unity Day for Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, to conclude a weekend of cultural festivals (Monarch Butterfly Fest and a Pakistani Day event in Cameron Park earlier that weekend). Officials said Unity Day will highlight food, music, art and cultural performances and asked for volunteers and community partners from the village's diverse cultural groups to help plan and staff the event.
What happens next: staff will coordinate Arbor Day activities and launch signups for volunteers for Unity Day; they will also incorporate tree-planting goals into operational plans for 2026.
