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PEORIA (November 19, 2025) – The Peoria Park District will plant its 99th and 100th trees of the year on Thursday, November 20th at 10 am at Donovan Park, located southeast of the parking lot near the first small pond.
The plantings will include a Ginkgo tree, often referred to as a “living fossil” for its resilience and long lifespan, symbolizing endurance and longevity, and a Weeping Willow, traditionally associated with memories and reflection. This marks Donovan’s second Ginkgo tree and replaces a former Willow tree, further contributing to the biodiversity of Donovan Park, an accredited Level 1 Arboretum.
Donovan Park, spanning over 100 acres, boasts a diverse collection of trees and plantings that contribute to its arboretum designation, offering visitors natural beauty and educational opportunities about tree species, ecology, and conservation.
Over the 9,000 acres the Peoria Park District manages, other parks, including RiverFront, Charter Oak, Glen Oak Park, MLK Park, and more, received new tree plantings in 2025, supporting the District’s ongoing efforts in environmental sustainability and tree diversity.
"As stewards of Peoria’s natural spaces, the Park District is committed to protecting, enhancing, and celebrating our community’s green legacy," stated Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill. "Planting trees like the Ginkgo and Weeping Willow reflects our ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and thoughtful landscape planning across our parks."
While no formal press event will be held, media representatives are invited to photograph and film the plantings. A District representative will be available for comment.
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