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Arboretum opening set for April as tree program details and nursery purchase reported
Summary
The Shake Tree Advisory Committee plans a Baines Park Arboretum opening on April 25 with 31‑gallon specimen trees purchased at $12 each; the committee delayed a larger tree giveaway program for 2026 and will seek inter‑suburb cooperation for larger efforts.
The Shake Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) reported several operational updates to council: the committee welcomed new member Matt Ruby, scheduled the Baines Park Arboretum opening for Saturday, April 25 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.) with a tree giveaway and planting demonstration, and confirmed specimen tree labels were delayed due to payment‑processing issues. STAC said the trees to be purchased are 31‑gallon pots of honey locust, fir oak and black oak at $12 each from Ohio Native Habitat Nursery.
Committee members said the MBT program was shelved for 2026 to prioritize the arboretum launch and that STAC will collaborate with neighboring West Side suburbs if a larger Community Canopy tree giveaway (which requires at least 100 trees) becomes feasible. The committee also plans to create an updated master tree plan in coordination with the ODNR Regional Forester and will seek access to the city’s street tree inventory data.
STAC asked the council to note staffing limits — the city will not add additional full‑time staff now, but the committee welcomes contractor recommendations for part‑time arborist support.
