Tree Conservation
The Tree Preservation Commission of the Village of Franklin Park is a group of volunteer residents whose mission is promoting the many benefits trees provide our community and planet through education, events, and programs.
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Franklin Park is a Bee City USA
The Village of Franklin Park has been certified as a Bee City USA affiliate, joining other cities in working to improve the environment for pollinators.
Research has shown that up to 40% of pollinator species on earth are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate disruption. The Village recognizes the importance of sustaining pollinators and is working to make Franklin Park more pollinator friendly.
More Info:Franklin_Park_Becomes_An_Affiliate_of_Bee_City_USA
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Tree Watering
Water your trees on hot summer days! Newly planted trees need watering during the first three years after planting to ensure long-term survival. Learn more:
Tree Watering Guide
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Around Town
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The Tree Preservation Commission secured Openlands and Rotary club volunteers for a Tree planting workday on April 25th. CRTI donated free trees were specifically chosen by Andrew Smolen for allowable height/species type to suit the planting locations at Wolf and Addisson. Tools received from a CRTI/Morton Arboretum grant were used at the event. More than 35 volunteers, in addition to village employees, Tree Commission and Bee members planted 65 trees!
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The Tree Commission applied to Openlands to host a TreePlanters Grant in Franklin Park, and was accepted. Openlands, and East and West Leyden Ecology Club students led by club sponsors/teachers Todd Veltman and Emma Holly-Murphy participated in the planting on May 9th. The High School students' hands-on experience taught them valuable lessons regarding tree planting, pruning, and care. The community planting opportunity with the trained Tree Keepers from Openlands, Tree Commission members and a volunteer resident, necessitated a month-long community outreach and door-to-door canvassing to plant trees on parkways. 20 trees were planted. Openlands have requested another canvassing and tree planting event around West Leyden High School for the Fall.
The Tree Preservation Commission extends its sincere gratitude to everyone—Village employees, Openlands, and all volunteers—who dedicated their time to support these worthy efforts and help make them a success! Thank you.
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During the Earth Day celebration at North Park on April 18, 2026, Franklin Park resident Kathy gifted a beautiful wreath in appreciation of all the Committee's work. With sincere gratitude, the Tree and Bee Committee will proudly display it at future events
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Buckthorn Removal Workday
The Tree Preservation Commission is proud to highlight the efforts of a very special group of High School students: the Ecology Club at West Leyden High School. Under the guidance of club sponsor Todd Veltman (Ph.D., NBCT Physics Instructor), students planted a diverse array of native species, including six different types of milkweed.
Their hard work is already making an impact—last summer and fall, monarchs and other pollinators were spotted visiting the common and whorled milkweeds they planted!
The Ecology club shared this with the Tree Preservation Commission: “At West Leyden, we've planted about three dozen plants native to Illinois, making a huge impact on our local ecosystem. We have several different types of grasses, milkweeds, and other flowering plants. We're thrilled to see so many native species being drawn to our prairie, including bees and butterflies. We are thankful for all of the support from staff, maintenance, and local organizations to help make our garden possible. East Leyden is making a proposal to start their own native planting in the spring.”
The Tree Preservation Commission was grateful to receive the help and support of the East and West Leyden Ecology Club during our first VOFP Buckthorn Removal Workday on November 15, 2025. We witnessed the students’ enthusiasm and hard work firsthand, and it made us incredibly proud of our youth. Their volunteer spirit truly sets them apart and will no doubt shine through in their future personal successes and chosen career paths.
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FRANKLIN PARK NEEDS TREES!
Read the summary below to learn about why we need trees, which trees are most beneficial, and more!
How can trees benefit our community?
1. Save energy by reducing surface temperatures and shading buildings.
2. Store carbon dioxide and remove pollutants from the air.
3. Intercept stormwater and help reduce flooding.
4. Increase property values and make our communities more pleasant.
5. Improve health.
Chicago Region Tree Initiative Frankin Park Urban Forestry Summary
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The Village of Franklin Park has been recognized as a Tree City for 11 years.
The Tree City USA program was founded in 1976 to celebrate towns and cities committed to growing their urban canopy. Led by the Arbor Day Foundation, with partners at USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters, it provides the foundational framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their tree cover.
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Discover Franklin Park's Rain Gardens, at the intersections of Pacific Avenue and Dora Street, Sarah Street, Sunset Lane, and Louis Street. Take the time to witness the vital native pollinators, drawn to the native flora for nourishment and habitat.
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