DeKALB – DeKalb Township hosted a community tree planting initiative, “250 Trees for Tomorrow,” from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Elder Care Services of DeKalb County.
Along with other communities across the nation, DeKalb Township celebrated the upcoming Arbor Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States’ sovereignty by hosting a tree planting event to promote a healthier environment and a more unified community.
In partnership with The Morton Arboretum and Chicago Region Trees Initiative, DeKalb Township was able to plant about a dozen native trees, such as the American Sycamore, outside the DeKalb Elders Care Services building.
Tara Russo, executive director of Elder Care Services of DeKalb County, said the tree planting initiative has been in the works for months.
“People applied to be a part of it, and we were just lucky enough to be picked to be the first one,” Russo said. “We’re excited because we have a senior garden that we’re trying to build. The trees will outline it wonderfully for the community to enjoy.”
Clinical Director of Elder Care Services of DeKalb County Colleen Parks said they plant fresh vegetables in their open garden during the summer that anyone can come and enjoy.
Zippora Bailey, a Shabbona resident, volunteered at the initiative with her father to celebrate Earth Day, strengthen her connection to the DeKalb community and support its environment.
“The Arboretum is where me and my husband got engaged two years ago. I always see them doing things in the county, like educating kids, educating people,” Bailey said. “It’s just about nature, but it’s nice when it actually helps native species.”
Elder Care Services of DeKalb County have a three-year agreement to maintain the trees, with help from the Sweet Life Garden Group. Russo also encouraged DeKalb and Sycamore community members to volunteer to help maintain the trees.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Elder Care Services of DeKalb County and their senior garden, visit their website.