Chicago's urban landscape is growing greener by the day, with the latest milestone in the 'Our Roots Chicago' initiative bringing good news to residents. The project, rooted in the city's Climate Action Plan, has reached 90% of its target with 68,000 trees now planted throughout the Windy City. This achievement was marked by a ceremony in Austin, as reported by the city government. Mayor Brandon Johnson and departments, including the DOE, CDOT, and DSS, are driving the initiative with an eye on equity, specifically amping up the green canopy in historically marginalized neighborhoods.
According to the city's press release, disparities in tree coverage have long existed across Chicago—gaps Mayor Johnson is determined to close. "A robust tree canopy is essential to public health and the fight against climate change; however, there are unacceptable disparities in tree coverage depending on where you are in the city,” Mayor Johnson said, emphasizing the need to grow tree coverage, particularly on the South and West Sides of Chicago, which have often been neglected.
Tree planting under this program is a concerted effort involving various city departments. For instance, the DSS Bureau of Forestry works to green parkways in residential areas, while CDOT takes charge of the boulevards, medians, and arterial streets. Acting CDOT Commissioner Craig Turner pointed out the benefits of this expanded canopy, stating, "Trees are a fundamental part of a vibrant public way. They make our corridors more inviting, and support healthier, more resilient communities." Community involvement is also pivotal, with programs like TreeKeepers and Tree Ambassadors, where residents are trained to care for the burgeoning urban forest.
Engagement from the community has been significant in terms of both policy shaping and actual tree planting. Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick of the Stone Temple Baptist Church, a member of the Tree Ambassador program, told the city, "I love trees because they add beauty and so much value to our community. Trees are stress relievers, storm flooding preventers and carbon footprint reducers.” She attributed tree planting in North Lawndale with fostering stronger community ties and contributing to a greener neighborhood.
The services rendered by these new trees extend well beyond beauty and shade. They are poised to deliver healthier living conditions, reduced energy expenditures, pollution control, along mitigation of urban heat islands and flooding. As DSS Commissioner Cole Stallard put it, the collective goal is "a healthier and more sustainable future for Chicago." With the finish line in view for 2026, residents keen on having a tree outside their homes can reach out via the Chi311 app or a simple phone call to 311.
