This summer, the Chicago Public Library is highlighting the natural world through its Summer at CPL series. Openlands is proud to collaborate with CPL on this citywide initiative focused on environmental education and community connection.
As a member of CPL’s Summer at CPL: Go Green curriculum team—alongside partners like the Chicago Botanic Garden, Lincoln Park Zoo, Field Museum, and the City of Chicago’s Streets and Sanitation. Openlands has helped develop content and programming centered on nature in the city. Our contributions included creating custom Tree Walk Kits and providing tree identification seminars to library staff across both adult and youth clusters. These tools and trainings empower CPL librarians to lead their own guided tree walks that engage the public in exploring local tree species and urban ecology.
Most walks will be co-led by trained Openlands TreeKeepers volunteers, who bring expertise and passion for the urban forest to this initiative.
The walks use tree keys and focus on visible features like bark, leaves, and branch structure. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a newcomer, they offer a welcoming way to learn about neighborhood trees.
Tree Walk Events
Register and attend a walk at one or more of the following CPL branches:
Austin Library Tree Walk
Tuesday, July 29, from 11:00am-1:00pm
Register here »
Pullman Library Tree Walk
Thursday, July 31, from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Register here »
Mayfair Library Tree Walk
Saturday, August 16, from 11:00am-1:00pm
Register here »
Bucktown-Wicker Park Library Tree Walk
Monday, August 18, from 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Register here »
Openlands’ Birds in My Neighborhood program also supported the Go Green theme by offering guidance on birding, urban nature, and gardening activities. In addition, Openlands participated in the Go Green Volunteer and Job Fair. We showcased opportunities with Birds in My Neighborhood, TreeKeepers, TreePlanters Grants, and the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship Program.