For the ninth consecutive year, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the National Arbor Day Foundation have named Valparaiso a Tree City USA. Valparaiso is one of less than 100 Indiana communities to earn the designation, which is based on a city’s commitment to its urban forestry.
“This city truly appreciates its environment and trees in particular,” said Mayor Jon Costas. "This past year alone, we’ve introduced an innovative Tree Fund, which matches each dollar contributed by residents with $8 in matching grant funds. We’ll add hundreds of new trees this year alone,” he said. Information about this program is available by calling the Parks office at 462-5144.
Other notable Valparaiso tree projects include:
- Cumberland Road – 70 trees will be planted from Bullseye Lake Road to Vale Park Road, along with shrubbery and perennials. Trees will include tree lilac, sugar maple, linden, and swamp white oak.
- Valparaiso Street – 29 trees will be planted as part of the Valparaiso Street project that upgraded drainage for the area. The trees will enhance the rights of way and will include tree lilac, ironwood, honey locust and sour gum varieties.
- Follis Subdivision area – this area in the Campbell Street/Northview area will receive about 35 trees to replace street trees that have deteriorated over the years.
- Sturdy/Lincolnway/LaPorte roundabout – About 125 trees have been added to the area from the university entrance to the circle, funded by an anonymous donor.
- Jefferson/Lafayette’s “green” parking lot – this innovative pervious concrete parking lot will receive trees to line the sidewalk.
- Trees will also complete the city’s downtown park, which is scheduled to be complete late this summer.