Highland Park, located in Illinois, has been honored by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 2026, continuing its impressive streak of 46 years on the list. The Tree City USA program, which began in 1976, aims to enhance urban forestry and improve community well-being through effective tree care. In addition to this recognition, Highland Park has also earned a Tree City USA Growth Award, highlighting its commitment to maintaining and improving its urban forest. Currently, there are 3,636 Tree Cities across the United States, with nearly 49% of the population residing in these areas. To qualify as a Tree City, communities must maintain a tree board, have a tree-care ordinance, allocate a minimum of $2 per capita for forestry, and celebrate Arbor Day. Dan Lambe, the CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, emphasized the importance of trees in enhancing community health and well-being, acknowledging the local leaders dedicated to this cause.