Will County Gazette

The City of Joliet Tree Advisory Board will host an educational Tree Walk at Route 66 Park, also known as Broadway Greenway Arboretum, located at 920 N. Broadway Street. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 4:30 pm and is part of the city’s recognition of OAKtober, Oak Awareness Month.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about growing oak trees from acorns, the state of Joliet’s urban forest, and best practices for tree care at home. The event also aims to highlight the significance of oaks in local ecosystems.

In 2015, the Governor of Illinois designated October as OAKtober to raise awareness about the importance of oak trees and their role in supporting wildlife. "Oaks are a keystone species that support an incredible diversity of wildlife," the press release states.

Joliet is currently carrying out an inventory of public trees, including several oaks that are over a century old. This project is supported by a grant from the Chicago Region Trees Initiative in partnership with The Morton Arboretum.

For additional details, residents can contact Ada Martino, Public Works Office Manager, at amartino@joliet.gov or 815-486-1062.

Joliet is situated in Will and Kendall counties, approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago, and serves as the county seat of Will County. According to the 2020 census, Joliet is the third largest city in Illinois with a population of 150,362. More information can be found at https://www.joliet.gov.

"Learn how to grow an oak tree from an acorn, discover more about Joliet’s urban forest and ongoing efforts to protect it, and get tips on how to care for the trees in your own yard," the press release invites.

"In 2015, the Governor of Illinois proclaimed October as OAKtober: Oak Awareness Month to recognize the vital role oaks play in our environment. Oaks are a keystone species that support an incredible diversity of wildlife," according to the statement.

"The City of Joliet is currently conducting an inventory of all trees in public areas — including several oaks that are more than 100 years old. This important work is being completed through a grant administered by the Chicago Region Trees Initiative in partnership with The Morton Arboretum," the release notes.

For media inquiries, contact Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, at 847-269-5556 or rdibenedetto@joliet.gov.