Arbor Day Tree Talk

The Arbor Day Tree Talk is a community celebration highlighting the unique and various trees across Bloomington-Normal. Participants will learn about different tree species, their significance, historical facts and stories, and the environmental benefits the tree provides to our community and world. Visitors will also see first-hand the commitment our community shares to tree-planting, protecting and conserving our natural resources, education, and environmental stewardship. Representatives from each location will be on site to share information and will “speak for the trees.”

Free and open to the community! No registration is required.

The Bloomington Normal Arbor Day Affiliates is a partnership between five groups who have received recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation. This certification recognizes towns, cities, and industries dedicated to improving communities through tree-planting best practices.

• The Town of Normal, a certified Tree City USA
• The City of Bloomington, a certified Tree City USA
• Westminster Village, a certified Tree Campus Healthcare Facility
• Illinois State University, a certified Tree Campus for Higher Education
• Heartland Community College, pursuing Tree Campus for Higher Education certification

How the Arbor Day Tree Talk works:

The tour is meant to be at your own pace. You may choose to visit each location, a couple, or only one. Start and stop where you choose. Create a travel plan that works for you! Note that Tree Talks take place at each location at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. These Tree Talks are given by experts at each stop and will provide more detailed information on the species of trees at that location.

The Town of Normal: Underwood Park

200 Jersey Avenue, Normal | Parking available at Underwood Park parking lot

Tree Talks at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Featuring:

• Baldcypress
• Hardy Rubber Tree
• Spaeth’s Alder
• Ohio Buckeye
• Kentucky Coffeetree
• Merrill Magnolia
• Shumard Oak
• ‘State Street’ Maple

The City of Bloomington: Miller Park

1020 S. Morris Avenue, Bloomington | Park in the main lot and near Miller Park playground and Zoo.

Tree Talks at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Featuring:

• Cucumber Magnolia
• Tuliptree
• Pin Oak
• Red Maple
• Gingko

Westminster Village: Fountain and Foundation Gardens

From Veteran’s Parkway, east on Lincoln Street, left on Mercer | Park in the front of the building. Additional parking space on the right when leaving the front door parking area. All visitors must sign-in at the front door.

Tree Talks in the Fountain Garden at 9:40 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Featuring:

• Tri Color Beech
• Princeton Sentry Gingko
• Shingle Oak
• Royal Star Magnolia

Tree Talks in the Foundation Garden at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Featuring:

• Ivory Silk Lilac Tree
• Locust
• Red Sunset Maple
• Eastern Redbud

Note: Both the Fountain and Foundation Gardens are open to tour on your own from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

Illinois State University, Fell Arboretum

Turner Hall, 700 W. College Avenue, Normal | Park in the “G73 green lot” by Hancock Stadium. For more information, see ISU’s parking map.

Tree Talks at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Featuring:

• Sawtooth Oak
• Red Sunset Maple
• Sycamore
• Nordmann Fir
• Baldcypress
• Serviceberry

Heartland Community College

1500 Raab Road, Normal | Park in the “Lot S” or “Lot A” on the southwest part of campus.

Tree Talks at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Featuring:

• Red Maple
• Blue Spruce
• Little-leaved Linden
• Edible Food Forest