In celebration of Arbor Day, the City of Oak Forest is teaming up with Openlands and South Suburban College to plant trees on the school’s campus at 16333 S. Kilbourn Avenue and along Frontage Road on Friday, April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

“This is a great way for residents to get their hands dirty for a good cause,” said Oak Forest Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development Paul Ruane. “We’re excited to work with the community to enhance our natural environment and restore the forest that is central to our city’s identity. This is an important step toward our Tree City USA redesignation.”

Throughout the event, residents can take advantage of secure document shredding and electronics recycling through South Suburban College’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials and Shred Dawg Shredding.  Acceptable items for recycling include computers, printers, televisions, gaming devices, mobile devices, air conditioners, microwaves, and small appliances.  

At noon, participants are invited to a lunch and learn about trees in the college’s cafeteria. Participants will learn about the city’s tree inventory and management plan, which outlines the standards, specifications, and goals for managing the city’s trees and forests over the next seven years.  

“A community tree inventory is vital for assessing tree health and planning maintenance,” Ruane explained.  “To be successful in the long term, we need to empower residents through hands-on planting projects like this one.” 

Register for the tree planting online or call 708-444-4849. Registration is not required to participate in the document shredding or electronic recycling.