2023 TreeKeepers Gathering culminates unprecedented year of stewarding Chicago region's trees
Openlands hosted the 2023 TreeKeepers Gathering and Graduation at the Garfield Park Conservatory on December 9. It was a fantastic celebration to welcome 66 newly Certified TreeKeepers to the region’s urban forestry community. The event had an amazing turnout from both the English and Spanish Courses. In 2023, TreeKeepers participated in 304 events, some of which were brand new thanks to TreeKeeper input. Many other events were planned, organized, and led by TreeKeepers such as pruning, planting, and mulching workdays as well as education and advocacy efforts. Scroll through the timeline below to explore highlights from last year!
TreeKeepers were encouraged to make new pledges for 2024 to expand their impact in their communities. Please scroll down past the timeline to read the pledges of some of our graduates and add your own.
This is a new event thanks to TreeKeepers suggestions.
This is a new event thanks to TreeKeepers suggestions.
This is a new event thanks to TreeKeepers suggestions.
This is a new event thanks to TreeKeepers suggestions.
TreeKeeper Pledges
TreeKeepers are the eyes and ears on the ground for urban forestry. Here is what our attendees of the 2023 TreeKeeper Graduation pledged for the upcoming year to be champions for trees.
Advocate for trees
TK #1,875
“Produce 2 minute videos on proper tree mulching!”
TK #1,736
“Become a ward advocate.”
TK #1,948
“Prioritize environmental justice Communities.”
TK #1,750
“Attend some Urban Forestry Advisory Board meetings.”
TK #1,952
“La Villita necesita más arbolitos a sembrar!”
Little Village needs more trees to plant!
TK #1,919
“Adopt a park to help the trees!”
Grow TK skills
TK #1,903
“Practice winter tree ID.”
TK #1,934
“Attend a TreeKeeper leader training event.”
TK #1,928
“Apply for the Arborist Apprenticeship.”
TK #1,771
“Using TreePlotter, inventory parkway trees in my neighborhood and organize a pruning event.”
TK #1,853
“Attend an advanced tree ID class.”
TK #1,913
“Attend an advanced pruning/pole pruning training.”
TK #1,918
“Attend multiple Treekeepers plant/prune/mulch events in varied venues to build skills and confidence.”
Engage my community
TK #1,737
“Grow Hyde Park chapter with new members and activate current members.”
TK #1,937
“Participate in lots of plantings and prunings but on weekends.”
TK #1,864
“I will lead a tree walk in my neighborhood!”
TK #1,944
“Inspire young people to become TreeKeepers and nature stewards.”
TK #1,922
“Apply for a TreePlanters Grant for Prospect Heights.”
TreeKeeper Pledge
Submit your TreeKeeper pledge and ideas for 2024.
