Enjoy this excerpt from the Fall 2024 Leaflet. Read the entire electronic version of the Leaflet here.
The Woodridge Park District recently obtained land for the development of their new 44-acre Jubilee Point Park. This property is nestled in a highly accessible area and has a long history of hosting community events, acting as a gathering point for area residents. As part of the group’s natural area improvement plan, the town was awarded a Trees Forever Recover, Replant, Restore grant for tree plantings earlier this year.
Funding from the Recover, Replant, Restore program helps Illinois communities reestablish tree canopies following natural and man-made disasters. Within the new park, 25 acres of woodland and prairie had given way to invasive species. Removal of these invasives, alongside other hazardous and damaged trees, left many areas of blank canvas for the project to start fresh with new plantings.
With expert project guidance from Trees Forever field coordinators, native species were chosen to enhance biodiversity and improve habitat and food sources for wildlife. Volunteers from the local junior high school joined area tree experts and Woodridge Park staff to complete the planting project during a special Arbor Day event. With funding from Trees Forever and additional local sources, the team was able to plant more than 150 native trees on the big day.
This planting is just a portion of the Woodridge Park District’s plan for the site. These new trees will grow to fill in areas of the woodland that were previously threatened and in decline. Additionally, native prairie and savanna seed is being installed to help compete against invasive species.
Sections of the park will continue to be planted over the next seven years, with many more opportunities for partnerships and community involvement. If you are looking to improve the tree canopy in your town, explore funding options through Trees Forever grant programs at: TreesForever.org/Fund
More info: The Woodridge Park District previously partnered with Trees Forever for another project through the Illinois Recover, Replant, Restore program. In 2022, the group replanted Ides Grove West Park after an EF3 tornado moved through the area the previous year, causing damage and tree loss in eleven of the town’s parks. Nearly 200 trees were planted through that project with a similar focus on local volunteer engagement and community input.
Above: Volunteers pose for a group shot at Jubilee Point Park in Woodridge Illinois. Local volunteers came from Jefferson Junior High School, Davey Tree Expert Company, and the Woodridge Park District.