Park Services
Celebrate Arbor Day with the Downers Grove Park District on April 30th at 11AM
FREE seedlings will be available after the tree planting demonstration at the Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road (limited quantity, while supplies last)- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Tips from the Forester - by Mike Stelter
Selecting the Right Tree for the Right Spot
Spring is coming, despite what Punxsatawney Phil, the Groundhog, saw at the beginning of February. This is the time of year when everyone begins to go outside to enjoy warmer weather and start thinking about doing some landscaping. If you are thinking about planting a tree this spring, maybe for Arbor Day (April 30th), this information will help you make a good choice for your planting site.
The biggest limiting factor for planting trees is the site. Your site will help determine what type of tree you can plant.
• In most cases, when you are researching the type of tree you would like to plant, nursery catalogs or reference books will give you an average height and spread for the tree. In addition, to tree size you may want to look at other factors, such as the presence of overhead power lines, underground utilities, and how close the tree would be to other man-made objects such as buildings, sidewalks, roads or driveways, which will influence tree growth. When planting, it is best to select a tree which will have little to no conflict with the items above. Considering all these factors will determine whether a small or large tree will work on your site.
• Soils are also a big factor in determining the type of tree that can successfully grow in northern Illinois. The soil profile in most suburban settings has been disturbed, resulting in many changes from the native soil that developed on the site. In most cases, you should do a little digging before you even purchase a tree to see what conditions exist where you would like to plant the tree. Determine how deep the existing soil profile is and what the internal drainage is like. In most cases, urban soils are shallow, have a lot of clay content, and usually have poor internal drainage. If your site has these characteristics, you will need to choose a tougher tree species that can tolerate being in wet soil in the spring and fall, and tolerate some degree of drought in the summer.
• Another site factor to consider is how much light the planting area gets during day, and if it matches the requirements of the tree. Some need full sun, while others can get by on partial light. The exposure of the site – whether it is in the middle of the yard or modified by adjacent plants or structures can be important if you are looking to plant a tree that is somewhat hardy to northern Illinois. Again, check your reference material for hardiness and a USDA Hardiness zone map to make sure where you are planting will be successful. Most nurseries sell only plants grown in our area (make sure you ask), but on occasion you may get plants grown farther south, then shipped into our hardiness zone. These plants can have problems adjusting to our climate.
Planting a tree is a great way to add interest to the landscape through form, bark characteristics, spring flowers, fall color and fruit. Iit is also a great way to help the environment by improving air quality, reducing water runoff, holding soil in place, giving wildlife a place to live and providing cool shade for all.
Vandalism Tipster Award Program
PREVENT SENSELESS DAMAGE.
In an effort to reduce and eliminate senseless damage caused by vandalism, the Downers Grove Park District encourages you to report any information you have about individuals causing damage to District property.
$ REWARD $
If the information you provide leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or conspirator, you may be eligible for a reward of $5,000 for vandalism in excess of $2,500.
CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION
All communications between the Vandalism Tipster and the Downers Grove Park District are strictly confidential. Call (630) 963-1304.
Aerosling Swings
Portable swings for children with disabilities are available to residents on a weekly sign-out basis at Lincoln Center, McCollum Park Concession and the SEASPAR office. Aerosling swings can be locked onto existing swing sets and are accessible from a wheelchair. The swings can also accept a feeder seat and offer several seating positions to accommodate various needs. For more information call 630.963.1300.
Thank You for Not Feeding the Waterfowl
While we encourage you to enjoy our park wildlife, we also ask that you let them find their own food sources. Because food supplied by people is easy for birds to obtain, ducks and geese lose their natural migratory instincts. This eventually leads to overpopulation and makes these creatures more susceptible to disease and predators.
Watercraft on Barth Pond
Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Barth Pond at Patriots Park, 55th Street and Grand Avenue. Please follow all posted boating rules.
