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In Valparaiso, the city invites the public to two October tree planting events. The plantings, planned and organized by residents of the Jessee-Pifer and Jefferson Park neighborhoods, are
funded through the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. Together, the projects will add about 50 new trees to neighborhood streets and public spaces.
“These plantings are especially meaningful following the extraordinary storm we experienced on August 11, which destroyed so many trees throughout our community,” said Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. “We have all been reminded just how much we value the trees that define our neighborhoods and contribute to the beauty of Valparaiso. As we work together to recover and replace what was lost, these neighborhood-led efforts are a wonderful example of residents taking an active role in rebuilding and investing in their community.”
The Jefferson Park tree planting will be Saturday October 3, 2026, at 200 East Park at 10 am with over 19 to 22 trees being planted. On Saturday October 10, 2026, trees will be planted at Jessee-Pifer Park at 400 Elmwood Avenue at 10 am, where 28 to 32 trees will be planted throughout the neighborhood.
The city said a diverse selection of trees will be planted at both events, including Kentucky coffee trees, swamp white oaks, black gum, bur oaks, Regal Prince oaks and London plane trees, among others. The plantings will follow the principle of “Right Tree, Right Place,” helping ensure that trees are appropriately selected for their locations and can thrive over the long term.
“Tree diversity is an important part of maintaining a healthy and resilient urban forest,” said Matt McBain, certified arborist for the City of Valparaiso. “These projects will add a variety of species while filling available planting locations with trees selected to provide lasting benefits to the neighborhoods.”
The city said Jessee-Pifer’s planting is particularly significant as the neighborhood continues its long-term commitment to replacing trees. During the past decade, about 117 trees have been lost in the neighborhood, while more than 100 have been replanted. This fall’s planting will help fill many of the remaining available locations for medium- and large-species trees on city-owned property.
Neighborhood residents are also playing an important role in the long-term success of the projects, with many residents agreeing to water newly planted trees in the public right-of-way during their first two growing seasons, the city said.
“Community members are invited to participate in both planting events and help grow Valparaiso’s urban forest – one tree, and one neighborhood, at a time,” said a news release from the city.
