Tom Simkins, City of Galesburg — Volunteer tree planting Saturday and the push for 1,000 trees

City of Galesburg Special Projects Coordinator Tom Simkins joined Galesburg's Morning News to talk about this Saturday's volunteer tree planting event, Galesburg's 26th consecutive Tree City USA designation, and the city's ambitious push to reach 1,000 trees planted under Project 350. Topics covered in this interview: Saturday's volunteer planting event — 8:30 a.m., Dale May Fire Training Center, 2233 Veterans Drive 28 trees going in at Jason Wessels Park, Voyles Field, Optimist Park, and Veterans Drive Cherokee Princess Dogwood planted in memory of Marte Glass — approximately 8:40 a.m. at the municipal pool entrance Arbor Day planting at Lombard School — Friday, 10 a.m., public invited Tree City USA — 26 consecutive years and the Growth Award four years running Project 350 — 725 trees planted since 2022, pushing for 1,000 this year 116 varieties planted and why diversity matters Free terrace trees for residents — how to request one Future plantings near I-74, West Main, and North Seminary Street   To volunteer Saturday, meet at the Dale May Fire Training Center, 2233 Veterans Drive, at 8:30 a.m. Bring a shovel, spade, or gloves. Residents interested in a free terrace tree can contact Tom Simkins at the City of Galesburg.