BRIEFLY

IT'S A GOVERNMENT JOB

The state's urban forester
Arbor Day (April 30) emphasizes the significance of trees one day each year. But self-described "urban forester" Reinee Hildebrandt wants to safeguard Illinois' trees every day.

She works in the forestry division of the state's Department of Natural Resources, where she edits the quarterly Prairie Tree Companion and gives public workshops on such topics as tree biology and chainsaw safety.

Hildebrandt wants Illinoisans to know that hugging trees generates more than warm feelings. "It's not just all beautification," she says.

Properly maintained trees can increase property values and help cities stretch their budgets. Trees planted a safe distance from power lines, sidewalks and other structures save money on tree pruning and removal, even sidewalk replacement.

And she advises communities not to plant more than 10 percent of any given species in order to avoid devastation by such blights as Dutch Elm Disease.

She administers Illinois' Tree City U.S.A. Program, which recognizes communities that have committed themselves to tree care and promotion. Illinois has the nation's second-highest number of Tree Cities at 156, up from 147 last year.

Hildebrandt credits growing up on a partially wooded farm with inspiring her to enter a career of working with trees. "The forest has always been my way to recuperate and relax," she says.

Rosalie Warren