DuPage County Celebrates Arbor Day with YMCA Preschool Program
DuPage County officials celebrated Arbor Day by planting a tree with the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County in Glen Ellyn.
“The planting and care of trees are among the many strategies set forth in the County’s Cool DuPage program. The right tree in the right location can make a home or business’ heating and air conditioning system operate more efficiently,” said Grant Eckhoff, District 4 County Board member.
Children from the YMCA’s preschool program have been busy learning about waste and recycling in coordination with Earth Day. The organization ended the month with the observance of Arbor Day. That holiday celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. Participants learned about the many benefits trees provide.
Tammy Lemke, CEO of the YMCA said, “Being responsible stewards of nature and teaching children the importance of trees is part of the Y’s curriculum. We are very proud to have this opportunity to not only teach the children but serve as an example in our community.”
As part of the larger Cool DuPage program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the County, trees reduce energy usage and provide significant health benefits:
- Trees and vegetation that directly shade buildings decrease demand for air conditioning.
- By reducing energy demand, trees and vegetation decrease the production of associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also remove air pollutants and store and sequester carbon dioxide.
- Vegetation reduces runoff and improves water quality by absorbing and filtering rainwater.
To learn more about Cool DuPage and DuPage County’s other environmental programs, visit www.dupageco.org/sustainability.
Caption: County Board member Grant Eckhoff helps preschool students at the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County plan a tree in celebration of Arbor Day.
Evan Shields
Public Information Officer
DuPage County Board
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-6022
