Lincoln Elementary students selected “Lincoln Legend” as the name of the tree planted at their school by DeKalb Public Works on Friday in celebration of Arbor Day.
Mayor Cohen Barnes, Public Works Director Andy Raih and the Public Works team received a warm welcome from Principal Jennifer Tallitsch, Assistant Principal Ben Erickson, and the Lincoln teachers, staff, and students.
The planting was an opportunity for the students to learn about the benefits of trees. Raih told the students trees are superheroes: cleaning the air, producing oxygen, providing cooling, and serving as habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Students took turns shoveling dirt to help plant the tree near their playground and then voted on a name. “Lincoln Legend” was the winner over “Roary Oak,” inspired by the Lincoln Lions mascot, and “Swamp King,” a reference to the tree’s species, the swamp white oak.
The event was held as part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program. The Foundation named DeKalb as a 2025 Tree City USA for its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees. The requirements to earn the recognition include adopting a tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
their playground to celebrate Arbor Day
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