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Beautification & Tree Commission
The Beautification and Tree Commission works to educate residents and business owners about the selection, planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs and other plants, particularly varieties that are native to this region. It also oversees landscaping and plantings around the City, including the flower pots in the downtown area. The commission recognizes notable landscaping, flowering and edible gardening around the City with the Green Thumb Awards and promotes the annual tree planting program. The committee was established according to the provisions in Codified Ordinances Chapter 1221.
- Sarah Cundiff, Chair
- Susan Bautsch
- Ken Noll
- Clint Soldan
- Scott Weber
- Jan Ruckman
- Nate Tingley, Director of Parks and Recreation; Phone: 618-692-7538
- David Sirko, P.E., Assistant City Engineer; Phone: 618-692-7535
- Alderman Chris Farrar, Ward 1
Meeting Information
Date: Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Avenue
(Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change. Click here to confirm details.)
Agendas and Minutes
View most recent agendas and minutes here.
(Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available after approval.)
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is a bright metallic-green beetle that may be smaller than a dime, but it is capable of taking down ash trees thousands of times its size. Unfortunately, this beetle is infecting ash trees around Edwardsville. For more information, please go to
Tree Planting Program
The Edwardsville Beautification and Tree Commission is pleased to offer the opportunity for residents to participate in the City's Tree Planting Program. This program enables residents to be reimbursed one-half the cost (up to $100) of purchasing and planting one approved tree each year at their primary place of residence within Edwardsville City limits. Please go to the program's webpage for more information.
Green Thumb Award
The City of Edwardsville Beautification and Tree Commission has established the Green Thumb Award to annually honor projects that beautify Edwardsville through landscaping, flowering and edible gardening efforts. Residential, neighborhood, commercial, and civic beautification settings are eligible to be recognized.
The awards were created by the City's Beautification and Tree Commission to encourage projects that foster neighborhood and civic pride. Award recipients receive a Green Thumb sign to post on their property for one month. Please visit the program's webpage for more information!
Pollinator Pathway
In June of 2023, Edwardsville was designated as Illinois' first Pollinator Pathway city. The designation came from the nonprofit Pollinator Pathway group, which supports and promotes efforts to establish continuous areas of pollinator-friendly habitat and food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating wildlife. The recognition sprang from the efforts of numerous groups in Edwardsville, and aims to address the declining population of pollinators, such as native bees and monarch butterflies.
Visit the Pollinator Pathway website to learn about the project, see participating sites in Edwardsville, add your native garden or space and find resources to help. Read more about the Pollinator Pathway here.