Trees have a transforming effect around our homes and in our community.  Trees add value and beauty to your home, provide food for local animals and birds, and remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, which helps to clean the air we breathe.  Planting a large shade tree on the west side of your home helps to reduce air conditioning costs in summer.  They provide shade for kids to play under.  Use evergreen trees planted around your property to create a windbreak and help reduce energy costs.

Trees are emotionally important. We plant trees to mark a birth of a child, a special event, or provide a living memorial for someone dear we have lost. Most important, trees make us feel good!  They calm us and reduce our stress.

Do you love trees? Are you interested in Arbor Day? Come to Darien’s 13th Annual Memorial Arbor Day Celebration, on Friday, April 27 at 9:30am. This year’s ½ hour celebration will take place in Westwood Park on 75th Street. Trees will be planted as a living memorial to honor children, parents and those who have given their lives in public service. Local school children will grow butterflies for release during the event, learn about the importance of growing and protecting trees and sing a special “tree” song.  Darien’s Tree Chaplain, Fr. Gavin Quinn will deliver an ecumenical tree blessing. “Tree’t” bags will be given to attending school children with information about growing trees, and how to be “green”, along with seed packs for garden planting. The Morton Arboretum and Darien/Woodridge Firefighters are often in attendance.

This Memorial Arbor Day Celebration is brought to you by the generous support of the Vuillaume family’s The Gift of Carl Foundation.  To help us continue the great work of this foundation, we ask for your financial support at www.giftofcarl.org. This event is also brought to you by the City of Darien and Darien Park District.

For additional information about Darien’s upcoming Arbor Day Celebration contact Kathy Minardi at kathyminardi@comcast.net