Forestry Division: Native Oak Preservation and Restoration Program

One of Wilmette 's most treasured, natural resources is its native oak population. Due to their distinct longevity, native oak trees represent a pre-settlement link to Wilmette 's past and enhance our quality of life. Wilmette is blessed with an abundant native oak population of bur, white, swamp white and red oaks. Over 2,000 native oak trees are growing along Wilmette ’s parkways.

Thanks to monetary grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Village has developed a holistic management plan for native oak preservation and regeneration. Since 1993, the Village has planted nearly 1100 native oak trees in order to reestablish a sustainable, regenerating native oak forest.