Valparaiso residents are invited to participate in two neighborhood tree planting events this fall, aimed at strengthening the city’s urban forest and enhancing local communities. These initiatives, planned and organized by residents of the Jessee-Pifer and Jefferson Park neighborhoods, are scheduled for early October.
The Jefferson Park Neighborhood Tree Planting Event will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, with participants gathering at 200 East Park. The Jessee-Pifer Neighborhood Tree Planting Event will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, gathering at Jessee-Pifer Park, located at 400 Elmhurst Ave.
Together, these projects are expected to add approximately 50 new trees to neighborhood streets and public spaces. Both initiatives are funded through the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. The Jefferson Park project received a $3,000 grant and will result in the planting of approximately 19 to 22 trees. The Jessee-Pifer project, supported by a $5,000 grant, plans for approximately 28 to 32 trees to be planted throughout its neighborhood.
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas highlighted the significance of these plantings, particularly following the severe storm on August 11, which caused extensive tree loss across the community. Mayor Costas stated that the efforts serve as "a wonderful example of residents taking an active role in rebuilding and investing in their community" as Valparaiso works to recover and replace lost trees.
A diverse selection of high-quality trees, including Kentucky coffee trees, swamp white oaks, black gum, bur oaks, Regal Prince oaks, and London plane trees, among others, will be planted at both events. The selection process adheres to the "Right Tree, Right Place" principle to ensure trees are suited for their specific locations and can thrive long-term. Matt McBain, certified arborist for the City of Valparaiso, emphasized that "Tree diversity is an important part of maintaining a healthy and resilient urban forest." He added that these projects will introduce a variety of species and fill available planting spots with trees chosen for their lasting benefits to neighborhoods.
The Jessee-Pifer neighborhood's planting is particularly notable as it continues a long-term commitment to replacing trees. Over the past decade, approximately 117 trees have been lost in the neighborhood, while more than 100 have been replanted. This fall’s event will help fill many of the remaining available locations for medium- and large-species trees on City-owned property. Residents of both neighborhoods are also contributing to the projects' long-term success by agreeing to water newly planted trees in the public right-of-way during their first two growing seasons.
Valparaiso’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is designed to empower residents to identify opportunities, develop projects, and work collaboratively to enhance their own neighborhoods. The tree planting projects in Jessee-Pifer and Jefferson Park serve as examples of how neighborhood-led initiatives can foster lasting improvements and unite residents around a common objective. Community members are encouraged to participate in both events to help expand Valparaiso’s urban forest.
