The University of Illinois Extension will hold two tree workshop and planting events for community members to learn about local urban forests and how to plant a tree as part of its Community Tree Care Series.

The free events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 at Crystal Lake Park Lake House, 206 W. Park St., Urbana, and from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 at Fire Station 2, 1135 to 1199 E. Pierce St., Macomb.

“As we all have recently felt, Midwest summers are hot, and trees are a crucial part of our urban infrastructure that helps relieve that,” University of Illinois Extension forestry specialist Justin Vozzo said in a news release. “Whether it be through evaporative cooling or providing shade, trees in our communities provide much-needed resting space and relief from summer rays.”

Attendees can learn about area trees including how to plant a tree, identify local trees, and what makes up an urban forest. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Teaching more people the skills to plant and care for a tree properly will help trees in communities across the state be healthy and thriving for a long time.

Registration is required to attend. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries.

For information, email vozzo2@illinois.edu or call 217-300-9750.