Tree City USA

Because trees play an integral part in the character of this village, the Forestry Department has maintained the designation Tree City USA® for the Village of Riverside since 2005. This program is sponsored by The Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Foundation Standards


The standards the Village must meet to receive this recognition include:
  • Tree Board or Forestry Department: The Village has established and delegated the responsibility of tree management within the village to both the Village Forester and the Landscape Advisory Commission. The Village Forester does run the forestry department housed within Public Works.
  • Local Tree Care Ordinance: Within village code are a variety of ordinances providing guidance for planting, maintaining and removing trees from parkways and public lands.
  • Spend $2 Per Capita: The village has not only hired a Village Forester, but also each year funds a variety of programs including tree planting, pruning, and pest control.
  • Observe Arbor Day: Every year the village will celebrate Arbor Day and plant a few trees around the Village.

Arbor Day Celebrations


Arbor Day in the State of Illinois takes place on the last Friday of April. Each year the village celebrates Arbor Day by planting trees around the village. The forester is looking for fun school groups interested in celebrating Arbor Day. Please contact the Forester if you have an interest in participating. Event is planned during winter months.

For More Information

To learn more details about Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation, you can visit the National Arbor Day Foundation.