NLI’s Legacy Tree Program is pleased to announce the 2025 December Tree of the Month is a Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve, 8322 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley, IL.
It stands 110 feet tall, has a 94-ft. average crown spread, and a circumference of 166.2-inches (that is almost 16-feet around!).
This majestic tree was nominated by Kevin Kaltenbach. He grew up in the area of Oak Ridge Forest Preserve and was familiar with the land. After it was established as a Forest Preserve, Kevin led hikes through the bluebell patches which allowed him to see many Sycamores when he visited. He said, “There were many bluebell patches where the Sycamores grew and this is how I discovered the one that I nominated. It can be seen from the trail. It’s a special tree because of the way it stands straight and tall. It’s probably at its prime.”…