Community Corner
Lake Zurich Celebration for the Birds . . . Trees and Bees
Volunteers spent time cleaning up 11 parks on Arbor and Earth Day event, Saturday, May 1.
The Lake Zurich Parks and Recreation Department and Tree Commission held an Arbor Day and Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, May 1.
Village trustees, cub scout packs, girl scout troops, and Lake Zurich residents started the day volunteering their time by cleaning up and planting flowers at 11 parks in Lake Zurich.
“I think it’s wonderful that the park and recreation board and the tree commission were able to get people from the community to come out and participate,” said Suzanne K. Branding, Lake Zurich Mayor.
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Afterwards everyone was invited to Paulus Park to participate in Arbor and Earth Day inspired activities.
Kids made homemade bird feeders using sugar cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. They also made necklaces and went on a nature scavenger hunt.
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“Linda Breuer of Barnswallow brought a great horned owl and a red tailed hawk as part of her Birds of Prey exhibit and gave a brief talk about each species.
Everyone was welcome to watch a demonstration by Trillium Native Landscapes on how a rain garden is made and how to properly prune a tree.
Shawn Walkington, village arborist, and Scott Garrison, chairman, Tree Commission, and A.M. Landscape & Design planted two trees in Paulus Park, one donated by the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce and the other donated by Commonwealth Edison.
“This year we put a lot of effort into getting donations and volunteers,” said Garrison.
Cedar Hill Nursery, McGinty Brothers Inc., and Echo Inc. donated plants and mulch that the teams spread and planted at Manor Park and Paulus Park.
“We planted rose bushes, spread mulch, refreshed the sandboxes, picked up debris, and even cleaned up the creek at Manor Park,” said Tom Poynton, village trustee and volunteer.
According to Matheson about 100 people volunteered their time and the Village of Lake Zurich spent $300 on the event, not including all the plants, mulch, trees, and crafts donated.
“The entire day went very well,” said Matheson. “We had a great turnout and the weather cooperated.
The day wrapped up with a cookout of hot dogs, chips, and drinks.
“It’s a great way to spend the day educating the community about our trees and the wildlife around us and taking care of our environment,” said Poynton.
