Legacy Oak at North Shore United Methodist Church Honored as Glencoe’s 2026 Tree of the Year

An oak tree at North Shore United Methodist Church in Glencoe has been providing shade and shelter for more than a century. Now, this legacy oak gains new recognition as Glencoe’s 2026 Tree of the Year. The village’s Tree Commission, which organizes this annual tradition, invites residents to nominate and share stories about their favorite trees.

Glencoe has held a ‘Tree City USA’ designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation for over 40 years. Winning this award is significant, emphasizing the natural beauty the tree contributes to the community. According to church officials, the tree has offered comfort since the sanctuary’s establishment at 213 Hazel Avenue in 1914. The congregation believes the tree might be over 140 years old, as even at the congregation’s founding, it was considered ‘very old.’

Ed Goodale, co-chair of North Shore United Methodist’s trustees committee, nominated the tree. He refers to the oak as the ‘longest-serving member’ of the church, providing shade for outdoor summer services. The tree lost a major limb during a 1990s windstorm, damaging part of the church’s roof. Despite this, the oak has remained mostly intact, much to the relief of its admirers.

Phil Kiraly, Glencoe’s village manager, emphasized the importance of preserving the local urban forest. ‘This award highlights a truly special tree each year,’ Kiraly noted. The oak tree has been part of Glencoe for generations and serves as a symbol of the community’s dedication to its natural beauty.

The Tree Commission uses specific criteria to choose the winning tree, such as age, health, canopy spread, and community significance. Every nominated tree receives a personal visit from a commission member. This year, the North Shore United Methodist tree outshone competitors like a young apple tree from the Glencoe Historical Society and an ancient bur oak needing support after storm damage.

Last year’s winner was a heritage bur oak on LaPier Street, maintained by the village’s forestry division. Estimated to be around 225 years old, it has a trunk nearly 13 feet in circumference. The commission praised the bur oak as a ‘wonderful example of Glencoe’s enduring natural beauty.’