DeKalb Plants Pawpaw Tree for Fall Arbor Day Celebration

DEKALB — City officials and community members gathered Oct. 28 at Fire Station One to plant a pawpaw tree in celebration of Fall Arbor Day and the benefits trees bring to the community. The event, attended by Mayor Cohen Barnes, Alderwoman Barb Larson, and members of local commissions, supports DeKalb’s goal of earning Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The planting aligns with the City’s Sustainability Plan, which includes expanding the tree canopy and promoting environmental stewardship. DeKalb also received a $255,000 grant from the Morton Arboretum for tree maintenance and will plant 50 new trees next year through its 50/50 Parkway Tree Program.