The Taylorville Tree Board, along with volunteers working to replace trees lost in the December tornado, will plant two trees to celebrate Arbor Day and to kick off a tree replacement campaign on April 27 at 9:00 a.m. The trees will be planted on the right of way on the 800 block of West Vine Street.  In case of rain, the event will be held at City Hall.

The Taylorville Tree Recovery Team has been meeting to plan a tree give-away program to residents of Christian County impacted by the tornado. Volunteers are currently raising money and plan to have applications available later this summer. The process will be done in phases over several planting seasons once funds are raised and most construction is completed at residents’ homes. 

Applications will be available on the city’s web site at Taylorville.net and at City Hall by August and trees will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and as funds become available.  More information will be made available to homeowners in the next few months. 

So far, several groups have donated to the replanting effort including Christian County Farmers Supply Company, Springfield Civic Garden Club and Trees Forever.  Trees Forever, a nonprofit organization working in Illinois and Iowa, is coordinating donations and providing a match grant of donations received up to $1,500. 

To donate you can visit their website at www.treesforever.org/TaylorvilleRecovery  or send checks payable to Trees Forever to City Hall at 115 N Main, Taylorville, IL, 62568.  Mark the donation as ‘Taylorville Tree Fund.’  All donations to Trees Forever are tax deductible and will remain local as long as they are identified as ‘Taylorville Tree Fund’.