Articles

2011 Luncheon Honors Two Decades of TreeKeepers

Openlands 2011 Annual Luncheon
Thursday, October 27, 2011
11:00 AM–1:30 PM
The Fairmont Chicago, 200 North Columbus Drive

Started in 1991 to assist former Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley in his goal of planting 500,000 trees throughout the city, TreeKeepers has grown into an internationally renowned model for urban forestry. TreeKeepers classes have been attended more than 1,300 people, representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and neighborhoods. Collectively, these volunteers have combated issues such as the emerald ash borer (EAB), developed a community arboretum in North Lawndale, and undertaken a comprehensive tree inventory in Chicago parks. In 2010 TreeKeeper volunteers dedicated more than 15,000 volunteer hours to protecting our urban forests.

Diana Wells, author of the Lives of the Trees: An Uncommon History, will be the keynote speaker at this year's luncheon, where she'll discuss our integral connection to trees and the importance of urban forests. Additionally, Ms. Wells has authored 100 Birds and How They Got Their Names and 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names, contributed to Friends Journal, and is the contributing editor of Greenprints. Born in Jerusalem, she has lived in England and Italy and holds an honors degree in history from Oxford University. She now lives with her husband on a farm in Pennsylvania.

Openlands will also honor Michael Howard, Executive Director at Eden Place Nature Center, with its 2011 Conservation Leadership Award. A leader in Chicago's Fuller Park community, Mr. Howard has been nationally recognized for his efforts to improve the quality of life in urban neighborhoods by encouraging communities to restore their urban ecosystems.

 

Ticket prices are $100 for individuals, $150 for patrons, and $1,500 for table sponsorships. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. Click here to purchase tickets quickly and securely with your credit card—please indicate "Openlands 2011 Annual Luncheon" and the number of tickets you're purchasing in the "comments" section of our online giving form.

For more information about the Openlands 2011 Annual Luncheon or to purchase tickets offline, please contact Development Coordinator Kelly Wagner via e-mail or by phone at 312.863.6273.

 

The Openlands 2011 Annual Luncheon is presented by:

 

We would also like to thank our corporate sponsors for their generous support of the Luncheon:

 

Gold Sponsors

 

 

 

 

Silver Sponsors