CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Champaign Park District is enhancing the local environment with a new tree-planting initiative. On Wednesday and Thursday, volunteers contributed to planting 85 trees at Johnston Park.
Mike Davis, a Natural Area Specialist, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We’re planting a variety of trees and shrubs today. The weather is perfect for it—better conditions could not be asked for.”
Each year, the Champaign Park District plants approximately 100 trees, many of which are donated to local communities. The trees at Johnston Park were funded by a grant from the Lumpkin Family Foundation, with the goal of improving the park’s landscape.
Bret Johnson, Assistant Director of the park district, noted, “One of our main objectives is to provide shade for future generations along the walking path here.”
A local daycare teacher brought her students to participate in the planting. She described the experience as a valuable learning opportunity for the children, saying, “We’re having fun. We heard the neighborhood was invited to help, so here we are.”
The park district hopes the addition of these trees will create a more vibrant atmosphere as Johnston Park grows.