Westmont residents can take home a free native oak tree seedling this fall, but they'll need to sign up by Sept. 30.

The village's Public Works department announced its Oak-toberfest program on Friday, Aug. 7, offering one free oak seedling per resident in a 1-gallon container. Pickup runs Friday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 6 p.m. at NEAT Kitchen + Bar, 246 N. Cass Ave.

Supplies are limited.

Five native oak varieties are available: Burr Oak, Chinquapin Oak, Swamp White Oak, Black Oak and White Oak. All require full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so they're best suited for open yards with good exposure.

The trees grow large at maturity. According to a village tree description guide, White Oak can spread up to 100 feet wide and is described as "one of the most important native trees in Illinois." Burr Oak, noted for exceptional drought tolerance, reaches 70 to 80 feet tall and wide. Black Oak produces brilliant red-to-orange fall foliage and grows 50 to 60 feet tall.

Seedlings are distributed first-come, first-served while supplies last, with a limit of one per resident.

Residents who pick up their tree on Oct. 2 can also enjoy Happy Hour food and drink specials at NEAT Kitchen + Bar during the event window.

Registration is required by Wednesday, Sept. 30, through the village's online form. For questions, contact Forestry and Grounds Foreman David DeCicco at [email protected].

What to know

  • What: Oak-toberfest free oak seedling giveaway
  • When: Friday, Oct. 2, 1–6 p.m.
  • Where: NEAT Kitchen + Bar, 246 N. Cass Ave., Westmont
  • Limit: One seedling per resident, while supplies last
  • Deadline: Register by Wednesday, Sept. 30
  • Contact: David DeCicco, [email protected]

Upcoming community events

  • Aug. 25 — DuPage County Veterans Resource Fair, offering REAL ID appointments and more than 60 service organizations
  • Sept. 22 — West Suburban Community Pantry youth board pickleball fundraiser in Woodridge
  • Sept. 30 — Deadline to register for Westmont's Oak-toberfest seedling giveaway
  • Oct. 2 — Oak-toberfest seedling pickup at NEAT Kitchen + Bar, 1–6 p.m.