North Chicago City Council Designates October 29 as Local Arbor Day Observance

Community Tree Planting Event Planned to Promote a Greener, Healthier City

The City of North Chicago has designated October 29, 2026, as its local Arbor Day observance in conjunction with Community Tree Planting Day. This special event will bring residents, community partners, and volunteers together to support a greener, healthier, and more sustainable community.

Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., issued an Arbor Day Proclamation during the October 19, 2026, City Council meeting, recognizing the importance of trees and the City's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

Mayor Rockingham and the City Council invite residents, businesses, schools, civic organizations, and community partners to celebrate Arbor Day by participating in the community tree planting event.

Community Tree Planting Day Details

  • Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
  • Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Location: North Chicago City Hall, 1850 Lewis Avenue

he City's local observance reflects its commitment to strengthening community involvement, expanding and maintaining the urban tree canopy, and promoting environmental awareness for the benefit of current and future generations.

Although Arbor Day is traditionally observed in the spring, observance dates vary by state and local climate. The City recognizes that the spirit of Arbor Day extends beyond a single day on the calendar. Planting and caring for trees are meaningful acts of environmental stewardship that can be celebrated throughout the year.

North Chicago's Community Tree Planting Day highlights the importance of preserving and growing the City's urban forest. Trees enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods, provide shade, improve air quality, support wildlife habitats, and offer valuable environmental, economic, and health benefits.

The City of North Chicago encourages all residents to take part in this community effort and to continue supporting the planting, preservation, and care of trees throughout the year.

Join us on October 29 and help North Chicago grow a greener future!

MAYORAL PROCLAMATION
ARBOR DAY 2026

WHEREAS, in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees, and

WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and

WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and

WHEREAS, Trees can be a solution to combating climate change by reducing the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cutting heating and

cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing lifegiving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife, and

WHEREAS, Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products, and

WHEREAS, Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and

WHEREAS, Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., and the City Council of the City of North Chicago, do hereby proclaim October 29, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of North Chicago, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the City of North Chicago, on this 19th day of October 2026.

Presented October 19, 2026

Leon Rockingham, Jr.

Mayor

City of North Chicago