Smile Politely

October 9th ceremony to launch Urbana’s Legacy Tree Program

The public is invited to a special public ceremony as a Bur Oak at 301 Griggs Street is honored as Urbana’s first living Legacy Tree. This tree is estimated to be about 150 years old, and is a remnant of the original Big Grove.

12 p.m.
Thursday, October 9th
301 Griggs Street

Rain date: Friday, October 10th

Parking is available on the street and in city lot 25 with access off Central Avenue.

The new Legacy Tree Program is designed to celebrate, recognize and protect Urbana’s most significant trees. Any Urbana resident can nominate a tree or a group of trees for consideration for Legacy status by the Urbana Tree Commission if it/they meet(s) specific standards in one of eight categories: size, rarity, historic or notable event, age, special ecological value, location, aesthetics or inclusion in the Illinois or National Register of Big Trees.

Earlier in 2014, the city’s Arbor Division selected a Sim Hackberry that stood at 312 S. Coler Ave., as the first honoree in the Legacy Tree Program. Though the tree’s deteriorating condition necessitated its removal in 2013, the tree is being honored posthumously.

Learn more about the Legacy Tree Program at urbanaillinois.us/legacytree.

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