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 Fall Issue 2025 Vol. 12, No. 4
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West Lafayette Tree Friends hosted our yearly Donor Reception on September 24, 2025, at the John R. Dennis Wellness Center. The West Lafayette Tree Friends were delighted to say “Thank You” to supporters who share the Tree Friends’ commitment to a growing, thriving urban forest. Join us when we celebrate next year
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WLTF Annual Campaign
Become a donor by supporting our Annual Fund Drive. Your donations will help the West Lafayette Tree Friends care for our urban forest by planting, pruning, and protecting the street trees.
Be on the lookout for our letter and donation form in early November. You will find information on the options to donate here at https://wltreefriends.org/donate.
Thank you for your support.
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 Maintaining a Healthy Urban Forest
A street tree is defined as any tree in the public right-of-way. The street trees in West Lafayette belong to us all. West Lafayette Friends help the city plant, prune and protect this amazing resource.
Plant: Street trees are chosen to be compatible with the planting site. They should not interfere with powerlines or other utilities, sidewalks, vehicle and pedestrian traffic. For example, it is best to plant tall trees like oaks away from power lines, so they don’t grow into the wires and threaten the local power supply during storms. West Lafayette Tree Friends raise funds to help the city in planting new trees along our streets and in our parks.
Prune: Regular pruning can aid in keeping trees healthy, safe, and attractive by getting rid of dead or unhealthy branches that could be hazardous or reduce the stability of the tree. Pruning also helps promote new growth, shape trees for better form and function and reduce risks from falling limbs during storms. When done correctly pruning young trees promotes growth and prevents structural problems during the formative years. West Lafayette Tree Friends volunteers help to prune street trees each spring and fall.
Protect: A properly maintained urban forest enhances the environment in ways that make a city more attractive and livable. Street trees provide shade, improve air quality, increase aesthetic appeal and aid in stormwater management. Join West Lafayette Tree Friends to protect this valuable resource.
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Featured Tree
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 WL Municipal Nursery Ribbon Cutting
On August 21, 2025, the City of West Lafayette celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Municipal Tree Nursery, welcoming many guests who visited the nursery and its 400+ newly planted trees for the first time. Mayor Easter and Larry Oates, President of the Redevelopment Commission, spoke about the nursery’s green potential and its value as a long-term investment in the city’s future. By the end of 2026, the nursery is projected to produce a wide variety of trees native grasses and perennials that will one day line city streets, neighborhoods, parks and other public landscapes across the city. Thank you to our WLTF donors who helped support this project.
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 Our speakers this year are Amy Krzton-Presson of The Wabash River Enhancement Corporation and Amanda Estes of the Tippecanoe County Partnership for Water Quality. After reviewing a rouges gallery of nasty invaders, they will talk about local resources that are available to help homeowners replace invasive plants with native species to help restore native communities. West Lafayette Tree Friend’s own Cliff Sadof will start the morning with a brief introduction to the general nature and ecology of invasive threats.
This year’s Lillich Lecture will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the John R. Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette, IN.
Coffee and light refreshments will be available.
The Lecture is Free and Open to the public, but space is limited. Please send an email to invite@wltreefriends.org to let us know you are planning to attend.
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General Meetings of the West Lafayette Tree Friends.
These meetings are open to everyone! We gather at noon on the second Tuesday of each month in the Bean Room at the West Lafayette City Hall. Meetings are listed on the City of West Lafayette website and can be accessed virtually. Please join us!
Upcoming meetings:
- Tuesday, November 11
- Tuesday, December 9
- Tuesday, January 13, 2025
Lillich Lectures
Please join us Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the John R. Dennis Wellness Center.
Pruning
Fall pruning continues on Friday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 through October 24. There are many kinds of tasks involved, and on-the-spot training is provided, along with the necessary tools. Check our website for locations to meet up.
Annual Fund Drive
Our annual Fund Drive to support our urban forest will begin in late October or early November. Please keep your eyes open for more information on how to contribute.
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We would like to recognize the passing of Ann Hunt, former West Lafayette City Councilor, for her dedication to making our City a great place to live. Ann was a long time member of the West Lafayette Tree Friends and could always be counted on to show up for every event to take photographs so we could continue to spread the word about our urban forest. She knew that city forestry creates a happier, healthier community. Plus she was just fun! Her infectious enthusiasm for trees helped fuel the success of our organization. She will be missed. |
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