Groundbreaking collaboration aims to expand urban forest stewardship in West Side community
CHICAGO (October 3, 2024) Openlands, in partnership with the City of Chicago, is proud to announce the launch of its Fall 2024 TreeKeepers course in Austin, marking the newly revitalized partnership with the Mayor’s Office.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as Chicago’s tree canopy has decreased over the last decades, exacerbating disparities in historically disadvantaged and under-resourced communities.
According to the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the Austin community currently has 19% canopy cover –though the highest percentage of canopy is found on golf courses and in parks. Residential, industrial, and utility infrastructure property have the lowest percentage.
“As a proud resident of Austin, I am deeply committed to caring for our neighborhood’s trees and ensuring that everyone in our community can enjoy the many benefits they provide,” said Stacie Johnson, First Lady of the City of Chicago. “I’m excited to join my neighbors in the Fall 2024 TreeKeepers course and work together to strengthen our tree canopy.”
The region’s leading community tree stewardship program for over 30 years, the TreeKeepers program has trained 2,400 volunteers who serve as vital advocates for Chicago’s urban forest. Up to 60 people from Austin and other parts of the city and region will have the opportunity to become dedicated ambassadors who act as eyes and ears on the ground, identifying potential tree-related issues and mobilizing their community to steward, protect, and enhance local forest cover.
“Openlands is eager to bring this important program to Chicago’s largest neighborhood where our team of experts can transfer their skills to residents and community leaders,” said Michael Davidson, Openlands President and CEO. “For over three decades, TreeKeepers has been the ultimate purveyor of grassroots action for one of our city’s most important and unsung assets – neighborhood trees,” said Davidson.
TreeKeepers work in close collaboration with local forestry authorities, including the Chicago Bureau of Forestry, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Upon completion of the program, participants are certified to conduct stewardship activities on trees in the public right-of-way and plant trees in partnership with Openlands.
The program offers a range of engagement opportunities, from leading tree planting events and organizing pruning days to participating in continuing education and advocacy initiatives. Many TreeKeepers go on to become environmental leaders in their communities, supporting broader regional efforts to combat climate change and improve urban resilience.
“Trees play a vital role in enhancing health and quality of life, which makes it essential to ensure their benefits are shared equitably,” said Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer of the City of Chicago. “We are proud to support the TreeKeepers program, providing Austin residents with the technical skills and resources they need to ensure both their community and its tree canopy continue to thrive.”
The Fall 2024 TreeKeepers course in Austin represents a significant step towards addressing environmental equity in Chicago’s underserved communities. Trees are a crucial part of urban environments, providing numerous benefits, including removal of air pollution, carbon sequestration, shade, and energy savings. Chicago’s trees remove an estimated 800 tons of air pollution annually, valued at $37 million in health benefitsi. By expanding the urban forest and empowering residents with the knowledge and skills to maintain it, the course aims to improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance Austin residents’ overall quality of life.
The TreeKeepers Program offers a flexible and accessible way for community members to give back to nature and make the region more resilient in the face of climate change. For more information about the Fall 2024 TreeKeepers course in Austin, including registration details, please visit https://openlands.org/programs/treekeepers-certification-and-program/
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About Openlands
Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives. Openlands works across areas to advance nature-based solutions to climate change, improve the health and well-being of communities, and create a more verdant region for all. For more information, please visit www.openlands.org
