Geneva’s downtown tree inventory received another boost this fall thanks to a $10,000 donation from the City’s Natural Resources Committee (NRC).

The money will reimburse the City for the purchase of 25 new trees, which were planted this month by Sebert Landscape at various locations along and adjacent to State Street (Route 38). During the past two years, the committee has donated $20,000 to plant 55 parkway trees in the downtown.

NRC Chairman Jay Womack and other committee members presented the most recent donation to the City Council Oct. 20.

“Geneva’s Natural Resources Committee exemplifies the unselfish spirit of citizenship and volunteerism,” Mayor Kevin Burns said. “I am continuously impressed by their dedication and stewardship toward our community.”

The NRC’s mission is to promote awareness and conservation principles in Geneva. During the past several years, the group has raised money through two successful community fundraisers – Rain Barrels on Parade and Wine, Cheese and Trees. Money from those events supported the NRC’s “Greening Geneva” initiative – a reforestation program for City parkways.

“When people ask me ‘what does the NRC do,’ the first thing I say is ‘we have fun,’” said NRC Chairman Jay Womack. “The people that make up our group are fun-loving, hard-working individuals. Not only do they make the events happen, our team makes them enjoyable, which is why we are able to raise money for more trees in our downtown.”

Residents can mark their calendars for the next Wine, Cheese and Trees fundraiser scheduled for March 21, 2015.

Geneva, like many communities in the Chicago area has lost a number of ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The City has removed about 2,500 of the 2,700 parkway ash trees throughout Geneva during the past several years.

The NRC has pledged to help rebuild the downtown canopy by purchasing a variety of trees that will increase Geneva’s tree diversity, which experts believe is the best way to avoid problems like Dutch Elm Disease or the ash borer.