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 Winter Issue 2023 - Vol. 10, No. 1
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Where We've Been and Where We're Going
2022 was an extraordinarily busy year in the world of our urban forest. We launched a new street tree application to help better meet the requests for new street trees in our neighborhoods -- 62 applications were received, with a total of 95 new trees being planted. Due to unforeseen delays in utility markings, tree plantings began in mid-December, rather than our typical spring and fall planting times. For those who waited patiently for their trees, thank you for going out on a limb and trusting the process!
2022 Volunteer Milestones:
THANK YOU to the Tree Friends volunteers for all their work in 2022. It takes a village to grow our urban forest! THANK YOU to our donors – your dollars turn into trees. We also want to thank long-time Tree Friend, Don Wood, for his years of service as Secretary! Thank YOU, Don!
2023 is already setting up for an exciting year –
- Completion of a comprehensive Community Forestry Management Plan – our look at the next 10 years of growing our urban forest and parklands.
- Beginning of construction of the Municipal Tree Nursery, expected to begin by May, with bid proposals due in February.
- The return of our Lillich Lecture on April 12. Speakers will discuss the importance of trees and greenspace.
- A special Arbor Day celebration on April 28.
- Continuation of our usual activities of planting, pruning, protecting, and more.
Stay tuned! To get involved contact us at chair@wltreefirends.org or city@wltreefriends.org.
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Applications for Operation Re-Leaf Trees
Operation Re-Leaf is a program of the City of West Lafayette that replaces street trees (trees between the sidewalk and street) that have been lost to disease, damage from weather events or vandalism. These trees are purchased and planted free of charge to the property owner. However, property owners are expected to water the trees to promote healthy growth. West Lafayette Tree Friends support this program through raising funds to cover half of the cost.
If you wish to replace or add a street tree, applications for the 2023 Operation Re-Leaf program will be available by February 27, 2023. The application can be found on the City’s Community Forestry and Greenspace page here: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/government/parks-rec/community-forestry-and-greenspace
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Expanding West Lafayette's Urban Forest
In addition to Operation Releaf, another way more trees are planted in West Lafayette is with new developments, i.e., new construction. A new project must meet the City and County’s building codes to ensure public safety and to provide required greenspace, landscaping, and TREES! West Lafayette’s Tree and Landscape Ordinance requires street trees and parking lot trees to shade asphalt areas, to provide stormwater retention, and to beautify our community. This applies to roadways, parking lot expansions, and new residential and commercial developments. The City’s approved tree list ensures that proper species are being used.
The Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner, Bryce Patz, reviews and inspects new landscape installations for proper species selection, planting, and adherence to the City’s ordinances. Visit the West Lafayette Community Forestry and Greenspace page to learn more about our ordinance, approved trees list, and more: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/government/parks-rec/community-forestry-and-greenspace
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Acorns to Oak Trees
Chad Evans, Chief Meteorologist for WLFI, was guest speaker at the October 11 meeting of the WL Tree Friends. He shared his knowledge of and lifelong love for native oak trees and his project of preserving the genetics of the oldest trees in Indiana before they are lost to building expansions or climate related issues. For many years, he has collected seeds or acorns from a wide variety of trees, but particularly the native oak trees. He then plants them on his property until they are ready to be replanted. He has donated many trees to Niches, Master Gardeners, and other groups. The Tree Friends agree that Chad is an invaluable asset to our community, our urban forest, and our environment.
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Meet a Tree Friend - Lise Schools
Lise Schools recently returned to West Lafayette, and we are delighted to have her energy and professional skills as a volunteer and newsletter contributor. (The Urban Leaves new 2023 masthead is Lise’s design.)
A glance into Lise's background includes a BS in Recreational Programming from Indiana University, and an MS in Outdoor Education from Northern Illinois University. In 1993 she launched her own business in Educational Signage and Exhibit Planning. She has also worked for Indiana State Parks and two National Parks. Lisa loves the outdoors and nature, and she can promote both through her work.
She and husband, Ed, met while birding on an Audubon walk; their daughter, Molly, is a graduate student at Temple University.
Many thanks to Lise's sister, Gretchen Ely, a long time Tree Friend volunteer, for coaxing Lise to join WL Tree Friends. Thank you both for your many contributions to the organization!
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Donor Reception
West Lafayette Tree Friends were delighted to host our first Donor Reception on October 25, 2022, in the home of the Dennis and Sharon Schlott. This was a well-deserved “Thank You” to supporters who share the Tree Friends’ commitment to a growing, thriving urban forest. Join us when we celebrate next year.
 How to donate:
Go to the WL Tree Friends new website – www.wltreefriends.org and click on “Donate.” You will find directions for online donations.
If you would rather mail in a check, write a check to “WL Tree Friends,” noting in the memo line whether you are donating to (a) the General Fund, (b) the Endowment, or (c) a Tribute Tree. You can deliver or mail in your check to
WL Tree Friends
222 N. Chauncey Ave
West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Under United States Code, Title 26, Section 170(c)(1), your gift is eligible for a full tax deduction equivalent to that accorded to charitable donations to 501 (c)(3) organizations.
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This DVD documentary makes a compelling case for the importance of trees as we view scenes of magnificent forests. While trees are often referred to as “the lungs of the world.,” this documentary explains why that is so. We learn how the aerosols from trees help maintain the health of our bodies, how trees purify water, and how carbon stored by trees contributes to the health of plants. As the narrator of the film, the famed botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger, walks through forests in several countries where major efforts are being made to maintain the forests. She talks with experts in each country about how and why they work to sustain their forests. By the close of the DVD, when Beresford-Kroeger notes that global efforts to plant more trees is the cheapest and best way to help our ailing planet, we are likely to nod in agreement. The Tree Friends donated a copy of Call of the Forest to the West Lafayette Public Library for the public to enjoy! The documentary is also available on Amazon and YouTube.
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Upcoming Events
West Lafayette Tree Friends Meetings
Everyone is welcome! Second Tuesday of every month. Check out the City's public meeting calendar or Contact Bryce Patz, Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner for more information at bpatz@westlafayette.in.gov!
- Tuesday, February 14, 2023
- Tuesday, March, 2023
- Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Lillich Lecture
On Wednesday, April 12, West Lafayette Tree Friends will resume a lecture series named in honor of Helen Lillich, founder of the West Lafayette Tree Friends. Look for a special mailing in February with all the details.
Arbor Day
WL Tree Friends are planning a special Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 28. More information will be coming!
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In Closing...
Upward view of snow-tipped White Pine (Pinus strobus).
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Finally, a favor to ask. If you like this newsletter we send you, would you forward it to a few friends who perhaps don’t know about it? They can sign up to receive it themselves
right here. Thanks.
Find previous issues of Urban Leaves here.
Show your appreciation for someone with a Tribute Tree, and make a contribution to the health and beauty of West Lafayette. For more information
West Lafayette Tree Friends
222 N Chauncey Ave
West Lafayette, IN 47906
website / email us
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