23-04-2025
Planting trees for the next generation on Earth Day
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — On this Earth Day, the Peoria Park District is digging in to make a difference with its annual community tree planting.
Staff and volunteers planted three oak trees at Donovan Park Arboretum, expanding its diverse collection of native and non-native trees.
'We have a Shumard oak, a Scarlet Letter oak, which is a hybrid between our native white oak and the English oak, and then we have Chinkapin oak,' explained Jacob Kuban, supervisor of park horticulture and recreation maintenance at Peoria Park District.
Each oak tree planted on Tuesday was selected with intention for its benefits.
'If you were to plant one tree that is the one tree that supports the most wildlife in our area,' said Kuban. 'Planting trees, especially in urban areas, can help lower electricity costs. It can provide space for everyone to enjoy and explore. And really, the community just really benefits from trees in many ways.'
Kuban said he hopes people are inspired to plant their own trees at home after visiting the Arboretum.
'Even if just watching it kind of introduces the idea of stewardship and preservation for everyone. And everyone can have their hand in their part in doing that,' he said.
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