Tree Week 2023

Why should we care about our Southern Illinois trees?

During Tree Week, you can take action to support trees in southern Illinois. The road ahead is shaded with trees. How are you going to get involved in Tree Week 2023?
Tree Week: Earth Day to Arbor Day
HeartLands Conservancy is again recognizing and celebrating the many reasons to love the trees around usβ€”whether they’re part of your backyard, a local park, or a nearby nature preserve! Throughout April, HeartLands will host many events and activities to get involved with the forestry around them. Celebrate trees and learn even more about the benefits of the trees around you!

Tree Stewards Saturday Program, Fairmont City Library Center
Saturday, April 15th (12 pm – 3 pm) Saturday, April 22nd (12 pm – 3 pm)
Want to attend the Tree Stewards Program, but Tuesday nights don’t work? Come to the satellite Saturday program at the Fairmont City Library Center to attend our free classes on urban forestry and all things trees! Registration is required. Visit our website or contact Sean Pelato at sean.pelato@heartlandsconservancy.org (618) 566-4451 ex 17.

Tree Stewards Graduation and Tree Planting – TBA
Learn about proper tree planting and maintenance techniques from our newly trained HLC Tree Stewards, or take the program yourself! Congratulate these individuals on their newfound knowledge while participating in site improvement!

Arlington Wetlands Volunteer Workday – April 22nd, 9 am – 12 pm
Join us at Arlington Wetlands (Arlington Dr, Pontoon Beach, IL 62040) for a special Volunteer Workday to support wetland forest!

Community Free Tree Distribution – (TBA, April 21st – April 28th)
Want to make an impact in Southern Illinois communities without planting trees? Help distribute free trees with HeartLands Staff and fellow volunteers to municipalities around the area!

Full Moon Hike at Stemler Cave – May 5th, 8 pm – 9:30 pm
Come along for a guided hike under the Flower Moon at Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve! Learn about the lives of trees at nighttime as we walk. Registration is required with limited spaces available. Please visit https://heartlandsconservancy.org/event/full-moon-hike/ to RSVP.

Tree Week 2022 Impact Report!
Last year’s Tree Week provided an incredible opportunity for communities to get involved, learn more, and help their town ecology.
Over 675 free trees were distributed within southwestern Illinois communities; 20 communities received our assistance with tree acquisition and information. HeartLands staff hosted special events with information about Tree City USA, Tree Identification Community and Urban Forestry, and more, with over 200 participants throughout the week. For updated events and locations to be announced, be sure to check our Events Calendar on our website: https://bit.ly/EVENTSCAL