Matt Wellbaum

The meeting included discussions and updates on the Memorial Tree Program, strategic planning, bare root tree planting, commission vacancies, and a Master Gardener partnership with Greenwood Arboretum. Fall tree planting and tree guard installment were also addressed. Reappointments for 2026 were scheduled for discussion at the November meeting.

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key areas. The Memorial Tree Program was reviewed, with a focus on establishing a baseline tree condition at the cemetery to facilitate GIS integration. The committee also discussed long-term goals for strategic planning and received an update on the watering and monitoring of spring bareroot tree plantings. The search to fill commission vacancies is ongoing. Master Gardeners presented an overview of their program and explored potential partnership activities with the Greenwood Arboretum.

The meeting included the appointment of Doug Crabill as Chair, while the Co-Chair and Secretary appointments were tabled. An update was provided on the Memorial Tree plantings completed in late fall 2024. The strategic planning document from ODNR was shared and discussed. Details were provided regarding the planned bareroot tree planting for the spring of 2025, including the additional planting location. The commission also discussed partnering with ODNR on a tree planting workshop and Arbor Day tree planting event. Assistance is needed to foster the relationship between the Urbana Shade Tree Commission and the Champaign County Master Gardeners for Greenwood Arboretum at Oak Dale Cemetery. The Tree City USA Awards were also mentioned.

The Urbana Shade Tree Commission meeting included the appointment of a Co-Chair and Secretary for 2025. Discussions covered the Memorial Tree Update for Spring 2025, strategic planning focusing on tree care, inventory, markers, and ordinance updates. The arrival and planting of bareroot trees were discussed, along with plans for Arbor Day 2025. A potential partnership with Master Gardeners for Greenwood Arboretum was also explored. The commission has three vacancies to fill.

The meeting included updates to the tree program, including coordinating memorial tree markers and evaluating memorial trees. Strategic planning is moving forward to achieve future goals, such as ordinance updates. The spring bareroot tree plantings will continue to be monitored. Efforts by the group continue to fill open commission vacancies.