City Council to Appoint New Tree Steward for Fairview Park | The Locally Times
One resident will soon help shape Fairview Park's green future, as City Council reviews applications for a volunteer role on the Shade Tree Advisory Committee through 2028.
Fairview Park's urban canopy, a key lung for the city, is about to get a new steward. City Council is currently sifting through applications for a single, influential vacancy on the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, a volunteer role that will help guide the city's tree-planting initiatives through 2028. The application period for the committee closed on March 27, as The Locally Times previously reported, with residents submitting their interest to Clerk of Council Liz Westbrooks. This committee plays a key role in enhancing Fairview Park's natural environment by promoting and encouraging tree planting. The current vacancy, announced by the City of Fairview Park on March 10, 2026, carries a term set to expire on December 31, 2028. ## Council Weighs Candidates for Green Advisory Post With the March 27 deadline passed, City Council has begun evaluating the submitted letters of interest. The city's March 10, 2026, notice had directed interested individuals to submit applications via email or mail to Clerk of Council Liz Westbrooks. Notably, the notice did not specify the total number of vacancies on the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, nor did it detail any specific qualifications or experience required for volunteers. Furthermore, the announcement did not publicly state the precise number of individuals serving on the committee, nor did it outline specific projects or initiatives planned for the upcoming term beyond its general mandate to promote and encourage tree planting. ## Shaping Fairview Park: The Committee's Mission and Meetings The Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) holds the primary responsibility for fostering urban forestry within Fairview Park. Charged with promoting and encouraging tree planting across the city, STAC's work directly contributes to Fairview Park's aesthetic appeal and environmental health. This key effort yields tangible benefits for residents, including improved air quality, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and potentially increased property values. STAC convenes monthly, holding its meetings on the second Thursday at 6:00 PM in the Dunson Room at City Hall. These regular gatherings provide a consistent forum for committee activities and public engagement. The volunteer selected for this vacancy will undertake a significant multi-year commitment, with their term extending through December 31, 2028. ## Cultivating Fairview Park's Green Future Participation on the Shade Tree Advisory Committee offers Fairview Park residents a direct and impactful opportunity to influence the city's green infrastructure. The committee's ongoing efforts contribute significantly to the long-term livability and beauty of the community, impacting future generations and enhancing the overall quality of life. Though a voluntary role, it represents a profound form of civic engagement, providing tangible environmental and community benefits. The City Council's current review of applications will ultimately determine who fills this key vacancy and contributes to these ongoing efforts. The appointment process will soon bring a new member to the committee, ready to help guide Fairview Park's tree-planting initiatives through the end of 2028. ## Key Questions **What is the Shade Tree Advisory Committee's main purpose?** To promote and encourage tree planting across Fairview Park, fostering urban forestry and enhancing the city's environment. **When and where does the committee meet?** Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM in the Dunson Room at City Hall. **How long is the term for the current vacancy?** The term for the selected volunteer expires on December 31, 2028.