The Village of Wilmette has earned numerous forestry awards and recognitions from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Village has received the Tree City USA recognition for 23 consecutive years and 12 Tree City USA Growth Awards (through 2006).
The Tree City USA Program recognizes communities that maintain a minimum level of spending for the care of their trees, has staff whose chief function is to care for the trees, ordinances that preserve and protect trees and an official Arbor Day Proclamation and tree planting ceremony.
The Tree City USA Growth Award recognizes communities that have demonstrated environmental improvement and high levels of tree care.
Wilmette has achieved the following:
1991 Growth Award for increased public awareness through publications, implementation of a hazard tree program and increased tree maintenance standards.
1994 Growth Award for the installation of a computerized tree inventory, management plan and native tree planting project.
1995 Growth Award for our special commercial area tree planting project and an increase in the Village’s tree planting budget.
1996 Growth Award for a tree planting project in commercial areas and an increased planning budget.
1997 Growth Award for an interpretive program, a utility partnership with Commonwealth Edison Company and a native oak pruning project.
1998 Growth Award for utilization of the World Wide Web.
2000 Growth Award for fertilizing and mulching of 125 crabapples, planted in memory of Judge Burton Kolman, along Glenview Road and 466 young oak trees throughout the Village. In addition, 11 disease resistant American Liberty elms were planted along Big Tree as part of an Eagle Scout project.
2001 Growth Award for a Public Works and Eagle Scout project that resulted in the removal of 87 stubs from the May 18, 2000 storm. The Growth Award was also received due to an increase in the 2001 budget for contractual tree pruning and removal from $124,600 to $168,370. This shortened the Village’s pruning cycle to 7 years.
2002 Growth Award was received for three projects. First, the Green Bay Road Streetscape Project which entailed the planting of 56 trees along Green Bay Road ; Trees planted in 4' by 9' tree grates. Secondly, the Hibbard Road Beautification Project which improved a 25' by 750' right of way area along East side of Hibbard Road between Lake Avenue and Skokie Boulevard . This project transformed a large area, overgrown with many invasive and nuisance trees under utility wires to a native landscape compatible with overhead wires. The Village planted a total of 40 native trees and shrubs. Finally, recognition was given for continuing education for forestry managers.
2003 Growth Award for the adoption of a new tree ordinance requiring private tree protection and for a project entailing the pruning, mulching and fertilization of 430 young oak trees.
2004 Growth Award for the collaborative effort of the Forestry Division & Street Division on clearance pruning of parkway trees on the Village’s east side to allow for the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, recognition was given for Engineering/Forestry coordination of monthly meetings.
2006 Growth Award for public outreach efforts conducted by the Forestry Division in regards to the confirmation of an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation within the Village. Also, recognition was given for the adoption of a new ordinance requiring removal permits for private trees measuring 10” and greater in diameter.
Wilmette Public Works