In 2002, the State Foresters presented the Tree City USA
flag and plaque to Trustee Bennett, Trustee Magon,
Park Director Wally Widelski, and Arborist Dave Gouwens.

The Village of South Holland was named a 2012 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like South Holland make smart investments in urban forest,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

This is the 12th year South Holland has earned the national designation. The village achieved this recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of a least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

More information on the foundation and its programs can be found at the Arbor Day Foundation's website: www.arborday.org.