CHICAGO’S URBAN FOREST: AN OVERVIEW
Tree Planting Activity
Chicago Gateway Green has planted more than 3,000 trees in Chicago since 1989.
Of the approximately 600,000 recorded trees planted in Chicago since that time, about 275,000 have been planted by the City of Chicago, 20,000 trees by the Chicago Park District, 12,000 by the Illinois Department of Transportation and about 5,000 by other nonprofits including Chicago Gateway Green. The remainder of the trees was planted through permitted private construction with many others planted throughout the city by private citizens.
As government budgets tighten, fewer trees will be planted by the City of Chicago and other public agencies making the good work of Chicago Gateway Green essential to expanding and maintaining our urban forest canopy.
Chicago Tree Planting Initiatives
In 2009, Mayor Richard M. Daley launched the Chicago Urban Forest Agenda, identifying four areas of focus:
- Maintaining and Conserving Trees
- Expanding Our Forest
- Integrating Green Infrastructure
- Fostering Stewardship
The Chicago Trees Initiative www.chicagotrees.net, a coalition of government and non-profit agencies, was formed to implement the Chicago Urban Forest Agenda and achieve a 20-percent average citywide tree canopy coverage by 2020. This target is one of the climate change strategies outlined in the Chicago Climate Action Plan, www.chicagoclimateaction.org.
Chicago Gateway Green is a founding partner of the Chicago Trees Initiative and is the lead nonprofit for tree planting in the City of Chicago.
As part of the Chicago Trees Initiative, Chicago Gateway Green works closely with the City of Chicago’s Department of Environment and Bureau of Forestry to develop strategies that improve communities through beautification, lower urban heat island effects and absorb excess rainfall that contributes to flooding. These activities connect people to the trees around them, fostering improved stewardship of our shared environment.
The Value of Trees
Trees mitigate climate change by reducing urban heat islands and energy used to heat and cool buildings. They also lower ambient air temperatures and improve overall air quality, provide important habitat for urban wildlife, while further absorbing rainfall and lessening stormwater runoff, which in turn lowers pumping and filtration costs.
Studies also show that trees contribute to a sense of calm and promote psychological well-being. Tree-lined shopping districts are generally more popular and profitable than areas where trees are lacking. Trees also can increase the value of public and private property. Most importantly, trees absorb carbon and provide oxygen that is essential for all of life. It is estimated that two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four each year.
