PEOTONE, Ill. – The Village of Peotone has been awarded a grant of $7,520 to plant more trees on public property within the municipality.
The Village was able to double the number of trees planted last year, thanks to a matching grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, provided through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban and Community Forestry Partner Grant Program. The grant was administered by The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).
“This matching grant allowed us to double the amount of trees we were able to plant last year in our street parkways,” said Dr. Peter March, Mayor of Peotone. “Our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy beautiful tree-lined streets thanks to our tree planting program.”
Village Trustee Mike Jones spearheaded the tree planting program over the last eight years, and the Public Works Department has also played an instrumental role in its success. In May of 2022, letters were mailed to residents, and trees were planted in compliance with the grant specifications.
The Village updated their tree ordinance to protect mature trees in the community and to comply with the grant specifications. The Public Works Department continues to maintain the trees by watering them after planting and mulching them to ensure their growth.
“Urban trees are critical infrastructure for a community, and this funding helps to plant and protect one of its most important resources,” said Lydia Scott, director of CRTI. “Trees clean our air and water, reduce flooding and heat, improve our mental and physical health, and provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.”
The grant empowers the Village of Peotone to enhance its tree preservation ordinance, providing funds to plant a diversity of trees and protect mature trees in the community. With this initiative, Peotone is taking a step towards a greener and more sustainable future, providing a healthier environment for future generations.
The Village of Peotone said in a release it’s grateful to the USDA Forest Service, IDNR Urban and Community Forestry Partner Grant Program, The Morton Arboretum, and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative for their support and assistance in making the program possible.
