For 34 years, the City of Macomb has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation because of the city's commitment to urban forestry.
The City of Macomb will recognize Arbor Day with a proclamation beginning at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 21 in front of Edison School. Two third grade classes will participate; the public is invited to attend.
To be recognized as a Tree City USA, communities must maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrate Arbor Day. Besides nabbing the recognition for over 34 years, the City of Macomb has received a growth award for 11 years for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.
The Macomb Tree Board, which meets quarterly, is responsible for making recommendation to the city council for all city regulations concerning trees.
Members serving three-year terms include Ross Braun, Tim Howe, Dan Glenn, Margaret Ovitt, Brenda Sayre and Barrie McVey.
Macomb is unique for a community its size to have a full-time urban forester as part of the city's roster.
Skip Bowles has served as the City of Macomb's urban forester since 2017. In that role, he's responsible for maintaining the health and vitality of the city's 6,000plus tree inventory, which includes the pruning and care, cutting down when necessary, watering, planting new trees, treating for disease and insects, assessing tree health and more along the city's many rights-ofway, boulevards, medians, city parks and other cityowned spaces and properties. The city's trees are all 'mapped' thanks to Western Illinois University's GIS Center, under the direction of Chad Sperry. His GIS staff have mapped all the trees Last year, Macomb added about 25 more trees to its inventory as the community was one of eight in the state to receive an extension grant to plant more trees in historically underserved areas of the city. As part of the grant, Macomb was just one of two of the recipients to be included in fall and spring plantings.
Earth Day
Each year, Earth Day is celebrated April 22, to promote environmental protection and sustainability. Founded in 1970 to combat pollution, it now mobilizes over 1 billion people in 190+ nations to take action against climate change through planting trees, cleanups, and advocacy.
Free Range Yoga in Macomb will celebrate Earth Day with two special Yoga for Kids events for families featuring nature-inspired breath, movement and grounding April 18 and April 25, from 10-10:45 a.m. both days. The event is designed for children ages 9-12, and an adult/guardian.
While the event is open free, space is limited and reservations are required. Visit freerangeyoga.us for more information or to register.
