Wauconda receives Tree City honor

The village of Wauconda has received Tree City USA status for the fifth consecutive year, Mayor Mark Knigge said. To qualify, a town must meet four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. These are having: a tree board or department, tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Knigge acknowledged village arborist Chris Esvang and said having an arborist is an asset to the village. Knigge added the village will join the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce to host the sixth annual spring tree and shrub sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30 at the Acres Group parking lot, 610 W. Liberty St. behind Walgreens. Some offerings include hydrangeas, Miss Kim lilacs, knockout roses, fruit trees and various evergreens. There will be free compost with any purchase and free curbside tree delivery to Wauconda residents.