The 715 oak trees that fill Lords Park make the iconic Elgin grounds majestic. But like everything else, oak trees only live for so long and many have been lost in the last five to 10 years, officials say.
If the city can secure a Urban and Community Forestry Grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, a crop of 100 new oak trees will be planted to rejuvenate the east side park’s stock.
“Oak trees can live well over 100 years, but they do age out, which is what is happening to a majority of these trees,” city spokeswoman Edell Fiedler said.
While old age takes its toll, so do outside factors, like pollution, road salt and insects, she said, requiring city forestry staff to keep a close eye on the health of their supply.
The grant being sought, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry, is available to areas located in disadvantaged communities, City Manager Rick Kozal said. Were the city to have to buy 100 oaks on its own, it would cost about $50,000, he said.
One grant requirement is community engagement, Kozal said, so a community tree planting is being planning and volunteers being enlisted to participate in mulching events. They’re also seeking the help of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle to help them complete the grant application, he said.
If they’re successful, the new trees could be in the ground by spring 2025.
Elgin’s Forestry and Land Management Department staff regularly monitors the tree canopy at Lords Park and the city’s other parks, Fiedler said. Part of the goal of such assessments is to pinpoint potential and address potential hazards, she said.
That includes controlling pests, safeguarding against diseases, pruning limbs and removing hazardous trees, Fiedler said. When funds are available, new trees are purchased through the city’s membership in the Suburban Tree Consortium, she said.
“This allows the city to use nurseries identified as high-quality growers that are local to the area,” Fiedler said. “This ensures that trees are grown in the exact same geographical location as they will be planted. (It also) allows for the highest possible success rate for transplant survival.”
In addition to applying for the grant, Elgin — recognized as a Sterling Tree City U.S.A. by the National Arbor Day Foundation — is also doing a tree inventory as recommended in the city’s 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The list will assess the health of the trees so a management/succession plan can be created, Fiedler said.
The last time such an inventory was done was more than 10 years ago, she said.
Funds to create the tree management plan were provided through an Urban Community Grant awarded by the U.S. Forest Service to Elgin last year. The $25,000 grant requires a 25% match from the city.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Gloria Casas , 2024-03-12 19:15:13
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