A longstanding oak tree, located on the grounds of North Shore United Methodist Church in Glencoe, has provided shade and beauty for over a hundred years. The tree has now been honored as Glencoe’s 2026 Tree of the Year. This recognition is part of an annual tradition sponsored by the village’s Tree Commission. Residents nominate their favorite trees, sharing the personal stories tied to them.
Glencoe holds a ‘Tree City USA’ designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation, a title it has maintained for more than 40 years. Winning the Tree of the Year title is a significant achievement in a place known for its dedication to urban forestry.
This year’s winner is a legacy oak that has been a peaceful presence since the congregation’s sanctuary was established at 213 Hazel Avenue in 1914. According to church officials, the tree was already quite old at that time. Ed Goodale, co-chair of the trustees committee at North Shore United Methodist Church, mentioned, “We don’t know for sure when the tree was planted because it predates the church, but it may be well over 140 years old.”
Goodale affectionately refers to the oak as the “longest-serving member of our church,” noting that it has provided shade to the congregation’s outdoor summer services for more than a decade. “It’s a wonderful old tree. It stretches out over the entire lawn area west of the sanctuary,” Goodale noted.
The oak tree’s resilience was tested when it lost a major limb in a 1990s windstorm that partially damaged the church’s roof. Despite such challenges, it remains largely intact, offering reassurance to the neighborhood.
Phil Kiraly, Glencoe’s village manager, highlighted the importance of the urban forest, stating, “Recognizing so many residents care personally about trees on public and private property, this award gives the village the opportunity to shine a light on a truly special tree every year.”
The Tree Commission evaluates several factors when selecting the winning tree. These include age, health, species (especially native ones), canopy size, and importantly, its role in the community. Each nominated tree is personally visited by a commission member to gather additional information and history.
Among this year’s seven nominations, the North Shore United Methodist Church’s oak triumphed over others, including a young apple tree nominated by the Glencoe Historical Society and an ancient bur oak requiring supportive cabling. Last year’s winner was a heritage bur oak tree on LaPier Street, estimated to be around 225 years old, showcasing the area’s enduring natural beauty.
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