The benefits of establishing a community arboretum are multifaceted, encompassing environmental, social, educational, and even economic advantages. These green spaces serve as living laboratories, cultural landmarks, and havens for community well-being.
Starting an arboretum is a meaningful and rewarding endeavor that requires planning and a passion for trees and shrubs. It’s surprisingly easy to create one with as few as 25 species, including the trees and shrubs that are already on site. Our presenter Jeff Weiss, Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter board member, will tell the story of the Reiner Park Native Tree and Shrub Arboretum in photos and offer advice about how you can start an arboretum in your community. The Reiner Park Native Tree and Shrub Arboretum, located in Buffalo Grove, IL, came about through community participation and partnership with the park district. There are more than 100 species of woody plants at the park and it has received Level II accreditation from the ArbNet organization. Jeff designed, secured funding for and organizes annual planting events at this arboretum. Don’t miss this special program!
About Our Speaker
Jeff Weiss is an ecologist who lives in Buffalo Grove and has taught native plant propagation and ecology classes at The Morton Arboretum and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned a master’s degree in natural resources and environmental science from UIUC. Jeff founded the Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team and the Buffalo Creek Clean Water Partnership. He is a volunteer steward leader of the Buffalo Grove Prairie Guardians and is currently Membership Chair on the Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter board.