Village Earns Arboretum Accreditation

Mayor Bob Barnett shared exciting news about Downers Grove’s urban forest at the Village Council meeting on February 3, 2026. The Village has been awarded a Level Two Arboretum Accreditation through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, making Downers Grove only the seventh municipality in Illinois to earn this distinction.

This accreditation officially recognizes Downers Grove as an arboretum, or a “living museum” of trees, and places the Village in the Morton Register of Arboreta, an international database of arboreta and gardens dedicated to trees and woody plants. Arboreta are more than just beautiful spaces, they support community wellness, environmental education, conservation, and research.

The Village met several key criteria to earn a Level Two designation, including having a formal arboretum plan and governing group, a labeled collection of more than 100 tree species, public tree-related events, and expanded educational programming.

Today, Downers Grove actively manages an urban forest of more than 23,000 trees representing over 120 species, reflecting a long-standing commitment to tree stewardship and the goals of the Environmental Sustainability Plan.

Mayor Barnett congratulated Village Forester Greg Soltwisch, the Forestry & Grounds Division, Sustainability Coordinator Jason Michnick, the Village Council, and the entire Village team for the collaboration and dedication that made this meaningful achievement possible.