North Cook News

Elgin receives 2022 Tree City USA "Growth Award"

Elgin has received the 2022 Tree City USA “Growth Award” from the Arbor Day Foundation for its continued efforts in maintaining and improving its urban forest. This is the 12th year Elgin has received such an honor. The Growth Award recognizes Tree City USA communities that have demonstrated progress in their community forestry program over the past year. This includes efforts to engage the community in tree planting and care, increased funding for urban forestry, and adopting innovative practices to manage and preserve trees in the community. In addition to the award Elgin has been recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation. This recognition is given to cities that meet certain standards for urban forestry management and care for public trees. To become a Tree City USA, a city must meet four standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation. These standards include having a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day with a proclamation and public event. Elgin has been recognized as a Tree City USA for more than 25 years. The city’s forestry program is responsible for the care and maintenance of more than 60,000 public trees, including those in parks, along streets, and in other public spaces. 

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