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 Spring Issue 2026 Vol. 13, No. 2
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Arbor Day, a tradition started by the Arbor Day Foundation in 1873, is celebrated to encourage the planting, care, and protection of trees, emphasizing their vital role in the environment. The Arbor Day Foundation has named West Lafayette a Tree City USA for 34 years based on our dedication to growing and maintaining the WL urban forest.
West Lafayette Tree Friends are excited to celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Cason Family Park, 2500 Cumberland Avenue. Please join WLTF, AmeriCorps, the City of West Lafayette, and students from the Brookshire Learning Center as we plant and mulch 8 Bald Cypress trees from the West Lafayette Municipal Nursery. As part of the celebration West Lafayette Mayor Erin Easter will read an Arbor Day Proclamation at 10:00 a.m.
West Lafayette Tree Friends will be handing out a variety of free bare root trees, donated by the IDNR Nursery through the office of Senator Spencer Deery.
Questions? Contact John Muller, Greenspace Administrator, 765-775-5125 or greenspace@westlafayette.in.gov
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Saturday, April 25, 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
In honor of National Earth Day, three local businesses – Reliable Insurance, @properties-The Russell Company, and Q106.7 – are sponsoring their 13thth annual Recycle Event in the parking lot behind the Russell Company (2522 Covington Street, West Lafayette). It is organized in a very convenient drive-through arrangement.
The West Lafayette Tree Friends greatly appreciate the opportunity extended by the sponsors to receive donations during the event. These donations go directly to PLANT MORE TREES! If you cannot attend the event, you can make a donation by clicking the button below for all the donation options.
More information can be found on the Facebook Event page.
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The West Lafayette Municipal Nursery is beginning its second year of street tree production. Since the inaugural planting in March 2025, a total of 500 trees from over 20 species have been planted. Of these it is projected that 8 bald cypress trees will be planted in the spring of 2026. It is anticipated to have about 30 more trees, likely elms and London plane trees large enough to plant in the city this fall. The typical time the trees will spend at the nursery gaining trunk caliper and healthy branching for its forever home is between 2-3 years, so we are excited to have a few trees ready to plant sooner. The City is grateful for the financial and moral support from the West Lafayette Tree Friends on this endeavor. It could not have happened without their contribution.
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Featured Tree: The Eastern Redbud
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Congratulations to Larry Swanson for being recognized as “A Cut Above”, WLTF’s first annual award for recognizing his outstanding pruning efforts.
We welcome you to join this challenge to become the next "Cut Above" by volunteering with us this year!
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The West Lafayette Tree Friends are gearing for an active spring and are looking for New Volunteers. If you are looking to make an impact on your community and support the West Lafayette greenspace don’t hesitate to reach out to (greenspace@westlafayette.in.gov) for more information or join in the fun at any of the events listed in the calendar below:
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General meetings of the West Lafayette Tree Friends: These meetings are open to everyone! We gather on the second Tuesday of each month in the Bean Room at the West Lafayette City Hall. Meetings are listed on the City website and can be accessed virtually. Please join us!
Our Next Meeting Dates:
- Tuesday, May 12
- Tuesday, June 9
- Tuesday, July 14
Spring Pruning Sessions: A favorite activity of many of the Tree Friends is getting together to prune street trees. No experience is necessary as instruction and tools are provided. Pruning starts the Friday after the Arbor Day celebration (May 1) and runs every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Check our volunteer website for locations.
Summer Watering Sessions: Help keep our newly transplanted trees healthy by joining our watering crew. Watering schedules will be posted as needed. Check our volunteer website for updates.
Arbor Day: April 24, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Cason Family Park (See our first article)
Recycling Event: April 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Russell Company (2522 Covington Street, West Lafayette)
River Fest: July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Tapawingo Park Pedestrian Bridge & Promenade. Celebrate the Wabash River at this family-friendly event. The WL Tree Friends will have a booth. Come visit us!
WL Farmers Market: Look for us this season, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cumberland Park Parking Lot (Salisbury Street). Come visit us for activities and information about TREES!
Follow WLTF on Facebook and Instagram for more event updates!
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Something sweet has been cooking at Celery Bog this Winter!
Look for a sample to taste at this summer’s WL Farmers’ Market
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