Historical Society recognized by Tree Commission with Quincy’s Prestigious Landscape Award

October 6, 2023 | By Muddy River News

At left, Quincy Mayor Mike Troup presents the Quincy's Prestigious Landscape Award to Lynn Niewohner, president of the Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County. Next to Niewohner is Sarah Michaels, chair of the Quincy Tree Commission. In the background are members of the Quincy Tree Commission. | Photo courtesy of Jason Parrott

QUINCY — The Quincy Tree Commission presented the Quincy’s Prestigious Landscape Award to the Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County during a ceremony Tuesday morning at the John Wood Mansion at the corner of 12^th and State.

The award recognizes the efforts made by the HSQAC to maintain the beauty of one of Quincy’s most historic locations. Sarah Michaels, chair of the tree commission, said recognition of the John Wood Mansion campus is far overdue.

“All of the beautiful work here with the landscaping, the native plants and grasses, and the wide variety of trees makes this a treasure for our community to behold,” Michaels said in a press release.

Michaels joined Quincy Mayor Mike Troup in presenting the plaque to HSQAC President Lynn Niewohner.

“Your efforts to keep this facility in such good condition with the thousands of people who visit the grounds on an annual basis are very significant,” Troup said. “You have one of the most valuable sets of historic artifacts for this region. It is a pleasure to give back and recognize the hard work and dedication this group of volunteers does to keep this facility looking beautiful for the entire community.”

Niewohner said the dedicated volunteers keep the John Wood Mansion campus looking good.

“We are so proud to be able to preserve and maintain the mansion,” she said. “I think the Wood family would be proud that we have been recognized with this award. On behalf of the HSQAC, we thank you so much for recognizing our efforts. Every time I drive by, I must look because it is so beautiful.”

Niewohner said the three gardens (Herb, Parlor and Prairie Grass) on the John Wood Mansion campus are maintained by several master gardeners, master naturalists, staff and volunteers. HSQAC also maintains the gardens and flower beds at the History Museum on the Square at the corner of Fourth and Maine.

Recipients of the Quincy’s Prestigious Landscape Award must be located within the city of Quincy. Recent recipients are Blessing Health System (12^th and Broadway improvements) and the Illinois Veterans Home.

The city of Quincy has been a Tree City USA for more than 35 years.