Mount Prospect resident helps village replace lost trees
With the help of a $10,000 grant he won from his employer, Mount Prospect resident Terry Franzen is helping replant trees his community has lost in recent years due to storms and the emerald ash borer.
Along with several co-workers from HSBC Bank in Mettawa and Mount Prospect public works staff, Franzen has planted 23 diverse species of trees around Fairview School on Fairview Avenue.
Franzen, who was free to use his grant money for any environmental project in his community, chose planting trees because it would benefit the village, park district and school district simultaneously, as well as provide an educational opportunity for students and scouts.
Scout Troop 23 assisted Mount Prospect Park District employees in preparing the grove area near the school and adjacent park for planting.
Students from the school soon will begin participating in a tree banding project called SHOUT, designed by the Smithsonian Institution, Microsoft and TakingITGlobal, which helps them learn how trees affect climate change.
“The village is extremely grateful to Mr. Franzen and HSBC for this tremendous contribution to our community,” Mount Prospect Public Works Director Sean Dorsey said. “We hope this sets an example for other citizens and businesses to seek ways that they can help improve their community.”