West Cook News

The Arbor Day Foundation has announced that the Village of Brookfield, for the 43rd consecutive year, has been named a Tree City USA community for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Village President Michael Garvey read the proclamation during the April 22 meeting of the Village Board, confirming the prestigious recognition. Garvey expressed the village's dedication to maintaining its green spaces and fostering a healthy urban forest.

During the upcoming Arbor Day tree-planting event, Village Forester Victor Janusz will lead the initiative. Janusz will be joined by sixth graders from a local school in planting a tree in the parkway along the south side of Broadway Avenue, showcasing community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.

In a generous gesture, attendees of the event will have the opportunity to take home an oak tree sapling, courtesy of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. This initiative aims to encourage residents to contribute to the growth of greenery in their own spaces.

The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities like Brookfield for their proactive approach to urban forestry management.

For those interested in learning more about the Tree City USA program, additional information is available on the Arbor Day Foundation website. The program serves as a platform to inspire and educate communities on the importance of maintaining and expanding urban forests for a sustainable future.