The Jacksonville Tree Project, an effort to plant trees throughout the area, is turning 5 this year — and its roots are digging deep.
“We have planted 100 trees to date,” said Mike Flynn, chairman and founder of the project. “We’re getting trees lined up and down the streets,” he said.
The newly planted trees, which have a green ribbon tied to them, can be seen at places including MacMurray College; Illinois College; Routt Catholic High School; Community, Duncan and Nichols parks; and throughout the historic district. Trees also have been planted along both State Street and College Avenue.
“Even though it’s on city property, we talk to neighbors out of courtesy,” Flynn said, adding that several residents have requested trees be planted in their yard. “We’re going to be planting more trees in the downtown area this spring.”
Years ago, the City of Jacksonville was nicknamed “Elm City” because of the hundreds of mature elm trees throughout the downtown area, along major streets and in parks. However, during the 1950s, a combination of Dutch elm disease, age and a lack of organized replacement programs largely wiped them out, Flynn said.
Recognizing the loss inspired Flynn to bring back the beauty and splendor of having the city lined with trees.
“It makes the city more walk-able and will revitalize Jacksonville,” he said. “It also has an environmental impact.”
The program initially was started through the Jacksonville Rotary Club. While it has expanded, donations still are funnelled through Rotary via its 501(c)(3) status, which makes donations all tax deductible.
“We feel more comfortable running it through a 501(c)(3),” said Shelley Singleton, project co-chair.
To help fund the project, Singleton also chairs Jacksonville Night at Busch Stadium, proceeds from which will go for a second straight year to the tree project.
“Last year we donated over $10,000,” Singleton said.
Jacksonville Night at Busch Stadium is an event that, like the trees, slid away during the 1970s before Singleton revived it.
“The past is our greatest asset,” Singleton said, explaining that the city and past events have proven to be successful and supportive. “One hundred percent of the money stays local,” she said.
This year’s Jacksonville Night will be July 25, when the night game will be between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Sales from the tickets, which range from $65 to $75 each, go to fund the tree project. This year’s goal is to raise $20,000.
“The Cardinals organization has been super supportive,” Singleton said.
Tickets are available at Prairie State Bank on Morton Avenue.
The fundraising amounts might seem like a lot, but it’s really not, organizers said.
One tree costs $300 including the tree, its planting and securing and, of course, the ribbon.
“It’s a labor of love,” Singleton said.
An interactive map pinpointing where trees have been planted is available online at jacksonvillerotary.org/rotary-trees.
“We don’t place plaques at the sites, but the website has information about each tree,” Flynn said.
The project is not just planting elm trees.
“We have planted several new varieties of elms,” Flynn said. “However, we have also planted other hardwood trees, such as oaks, maples, lindens, zelkovas. Today, it’s best to plant a wide variety of trees to avoid losing many of the same trees to a particular disease.”
From the Jacksonville Journal Courier
Darren Iozia, darren.iozia@myjournalcourier.com