Geneva Named Tree City USA For 25th Time

GENEVA, IL — Geneva was named a "Tree City USA" for the 25th time this spring, city officials announced.

The city continues to receive the recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation as a result of its commitment to urban forest management. The honor is based on meeting four core standards, including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and conducting an Arbor Day observance.

Arbor Day falls on April 25, and this year, Geneva will plant 77 new parkway trees during the weeks of April 21 and April 28, weather permitting. This includes the trees residents ordered for this spring.

Geneva also received its third Arbor Day Foundation's Growth Award, which recognizes major milestones and annual activities that help build a sustainable community forestry program. The award is based on foresty funding, staff and training; measuring tree inventory; urban planning; planting and protecting parkway trees; and community involvement.

To help the cause, Geneva's Natural Resources Committee and the Geneva Park District Foundation raise money annually during the Wine, Cheese & Trees fundraiser, held in February. The funds are used to plant trees throughout the community.

Residents interested in a new parkway tree for the fall season can use the city's cost-sharing program. Locals pay $150, and the city pays the remainder — more than $150, officials said — for each tree through a contract with the West Suburban Tree Consortium.