Garden Club of Lake Zurich donates trees to Hawthorn Woods Park
On Thursday, Oct. 23, members of The Garden Club of Lake Zurich along with several of the Hawthorn Woods Village Board and Parks and Recreation Department gathered at the Community Park to celebrate the planting and dedication of two swamp white oak trees donated to the village. The event, held near the park’s pavilion, marked a meaningful contribution to both the club and the village’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and public beautification.
“The swamp white oak is a tri-colored variety, perfect for swampy areas and is known for its disease resilience and purplish fall color,” said John Van Ostrand, President of the Garden Club of Lake Zurich. It is a keystone species which means that it supports many species of birds, butterflies, moths, caterpillars, squirrels and other mammals. These oaks not only offer vital food sources for overwintering wildlife but also provide shelter for insects and a variety of pollinators — nature’s quiet workforce — all the while silently breathing in carbon dioxide and returning the gift of cleaner air. He also pointed out that these trees can reach heights of 50 to 80 feet, with broad canopies spanning 50 to 70 feet across offering both impressive stature and generous shade.
Their presence aligns beautifully with the ongoing efforts of the Garden Club which has long partnered with local organizations to promote native gardening and community engagement. This donation mirrors the Village’s vision and reflects the Club’s overall mission to foster environmental awareness and beautify public spaces through thoughtful planting of native trees and other plant species.
The planting ceremony also included remarks from Pamela Newton, the village’s Chief Operating Officer, and Amy Mason, director of Parks and Recreation. Their thoughtful words highlighted the importance of community partnerships and environmental sustainability. After the ceremony, attendees gathered in the pavilion enjoying light refreshments, friendly conversation, and the crisp embrace of the fall afternoon.
As sunlight filtered through the clouds and trees and autumn leaves danced across the grass, the newly planted oaks offered a gentle reminder to the community and others that even small acts like planting a tree can grow into something enduring and meaningful. These swamp white oaks now stand as quiet sentinels of the shifting seasons and a living tribute to the shared values of those who came together to root them in the community park.