October 7, 2021 at 12:46pm
⚠️ Please Note: This article was published in 2021. Visit our Events Calendar to view current upcoming events.
As the autumn season
is in full swing with trees displaying their brilliant fall colors, the Northbrook Park District is celebrating OAKtober.
Launched by the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, OAKtober is a campaign to educate the public on the importance of Oaks in our regional ecosystems.
Trees are important for reducing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, but they also absorb pollutants, acting as a filtering system for the air we breathe.
Being one of the sturdiest trees, Oaks tower over our parks and facilities providing shade, adding stability to the soil and even slowing winds. These trees support plants and animals including native insects, butterflies, bees and birds, keeping our delicate environment in balance.
They also add to the beauty of Northbrook creating harmonious areas for the community to unwind and relax which is important to mental health.
The Park District has 775 Oaks and an established care program to help maintain the health of our heritage Oaks, some of which are over 250 years old. Each year, the District plants a variety of new Oaks and other tree species to replace damaged or sick trees, maintaining our lush tree canopy and the health of the ecosystem.
As you walk around Northbrook, look for trees that have deep grooves in the bark and lobed leaves with pointed or rounded tips. Oak trees can reach heights up to 100 feet and the easiest way to spot an oak is by locating the acorns that grow in clusters.
For more information about OAKtober and what you can do to help maintain this beautiful tree for future generations, visit nbparks.org/OAKtober.
Follow us on Facebook all October for Oak trivia and a chance to win prizes.
The Mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.