Village to distribute 180 trees after National Arbor Day Foundation grant

Village staff reported the receipt and planned distribution of a tree grant from the National Arbor Day Foundation that provides roughly 180 trees for park plantings and homeowner distribution.

Phil Healey, speaking for public works, said the grant covered planting in parks and fields and provided about 150 trees for homeowners (with some still available). He described pickup hours for the public at the DPW on upcoming Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon and said staff could arrange transportation and driveway drop‑off for larger trees that residents cannot transport in a car.

The grant complements the village’s annual curbside street‑tree planting program; staff said both homeowner distributions and curbside plantings will proceed this month. Volunteers participated in distribution events and village staff indicated plans to consider additional volunteer projects in spring planting seasons.

Why it matters: Restoring the canopy and increasing street and yard tree cover can improve local air quality, stormwater absorption, and neighborhood aesthetics. The exact species mix and long‑term maintenance responsibilities were described as part of distribution instructions but were not fully enumerated at the meeting.

Next steps: Residents are encouraged to pick up available trees at the DPW pickup dates; staff will provide transportation where needed. The village did not provide a complete species list or a formal long‑term maintenance plan at the meeting; those details are to be provided by DPW.