Who We Are

Founded in 1981, West Lafayette Tree Friends was established with the adoption of the original West Lafayette Trees and Landscape Ordinance. This voluntary organization was formed to plant shade trees along public streets of the city and is supported by voluntary contributions and is run by volunteers, with support by city staff. To learn more, visit www.wltreefriends.org.

West Lafayette Tree Friends Officers

Paul Brennan- Chair
Becky Fry- Vice-Chair
Diane Schlegel - Secretary
Bill Evers - Treasurer

Bill Gass - Fundraising
Vacant- Tribute Tree Coordinators
Vacant- Communications
Vacant - Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner

What We do

West Lafayette Tree Friends’ primary goal is to plant trees and implement landscaping projects in the public right-of-way. The Tree Friends work in cooperation with the City and property owners to enhance the beauty of the streets in West Lafayette. The Tree Friends organize seasonal street tree pruning to ensure tree branches grow above roadways and sidewalks. Additionally, the Tree Friends and the City complete one or two large planting projects under our Operation Re-Leaf tree planting program each year. All Tree Friends initiatives are financed by private donations augmented by matching grants when available.

When We Meet

The West Lafayette Tree Friends meet on the second Tuesday of every month for Tree Friends business. These monthly meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome. Sub-committees for the organization meet throughout the month. For more information, contact the Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner. To view meeting agendas, click here. 

Initiatives and Projects

• Operation Re-Leaf annual tree planting program
• Arbor Day Celebration in April
• Seasonal neighborhood pruning in the spring and fall
• Tribute Tree Program – Plant a tree in someone’s honor.
• Urban Leaves Newsletter – To subscribe, click here.
• 30 -40-50: Municipal Tree Nursery Project – A capital campaign to raise $50,000 for a municipal tree nursery. For more information, contact Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner.
• Tree Sweaters – Bring awareness to young street trees to reduce vandalism

Resources

2023 Annual Report: Click here.  

 

Chapter 10 – Trees and Landscape Ordinance: Click here.

West Lafayette Tree Friends Strategic Plan, Click here. 

Community Forestry and Greenspace: Click here.

Operation Re-Leaf 2024 Tree Application: Click here. 

Tribute Tree Program: Click here.

Donate to Support West Lafayette Tree Friends: Click here.