All CRTI Programs
Canopy Counts Program
The Canopy Counts Program provides a simple and fun tool for residents to help their communities track trees and tree-ready spaces across the Chicago region, while learning more about the benefits provided by those trees.
Chicago Region Carbon Program
The Chicago Region Carbon Program enables an efficient enrollment of planting and preservation projects into a region-wide carbon crediting program.
Community Forestry Survey
Every five years CRTI conducts a Community Forestry Survey of municipalities and park districts to determine the operational capacity of public land managers in the Chicago region to maintain and improve their portions of the regional forest.
Community Tree Canopy Summaries
Community Tree Canopy Summaries show the tree canopy cover, plantable space, and types of land use for communities in the seven-county Chicago region.
Community Tree Network
Hosted by CRTI, the Community Tree Network brings together tree experts and community members to share knowledge.
CRTI Newsletters
Monthly email newsletters from CRTI include notices of events, grant opportunities, and other news concerning urban and community forestry.
CRTI and Partner Events Calendar
CRTI and its partners host public events, workshops, and training opportunities across the region related to urban forestry, tree planting, and tree care. View the calendar of upcoming events.
CRTI Contract Grower Program
CRTI seeks bids from tree nurseries for a five-year contract growing relationship to provide trees for community tree planting projects.
CRTI Priority Maps
To identify where trees are needed most urgently, CRTI created Priority Maps by combining canopy cover, surface temperature, air quality, flood risk, health, and social vulnerability data into the map layers into combined, interactive map layers.
CRTI Work Groups
Four active work groups within CRTI’s partner network focus their attention on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and resource needs for the regional forest.
Healthy Habitats Brochure Series
The Healthy Habitats brochure series helps homeowners, land managers, or anyone involved in local conservation efforts, preserve native ecosystems and support wildlife. It includes planting recommendations.
How to Build Laws, Regulations, and Policies to Protect Trees
CRTI offers guidance and templates for developing proposed tree protection and tree preservation ordinances for local governments.
How to Care for Trees
Learn how to care for trees on your own property and in your community.
How to Deal With Invasive Woody Plants
Learn how to deal with invasive shrubby plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle on your property.
How to Speak Up for Trees
Learn how to advocate for more trees, better tree care, and an improved tree canopy.
IAA and CRTI Urban Forestry Basic Training
In many local governments and other agencies, tree care is the responsibility of staff who are not forestry professionals. Urban Forestry Basic Training is a one-day program on important forestry topics such as planting, pruning, tree biology, providing proper tree care, and avoiding tree damage during construction, offered twice a year by the Illinois Arborist Association and CRTI.
Map of Shrubby Invasive Plants in the Chicago Region
The Map of Shrubby Invasive Plants from CRTI and Purdue University’s Digital Forestry Initiative models where shrubby invasive plants are located in the Chicago region and labels whether the lands where these plants are found are private or public.
Oak Connectivity Map
To help restore and enhance oak ecosystems, CRTI and the Chicago Wilderness Alliance produced the Oak Connectivity Map, identifying where oak ecosystems remain and mapping corridors and buffers that can protect and connect these ecosystems.
Oak Ecosystems Recovery Project
CRTI works locally with partners across the region to protect oak ecosystems and preserve keystone species through the Oak Ecosystems Recovery Project.
Ordinance Builder for Tree Preservation in Land Development
Use this tool to draft important tree protections in your community for a strong urban forest.
Ordinance Builder for Tree Protection
Use this tool to draft a tree protection ordinance or propose improvements to an existing law.
Partner Recognition Celebration
The annual CRTI Partner Recognition Celebration celebrates leaders and innovators in urban and community forestry and the essential work they are doing and is an important networking opportunity for people concerned with trees in the Chicago area.
Tree Ambassador Program
Our Roots Chicago’s Tree Ambassador Program provides Chicago residents and community groups with training, resources, and funding to plant trees in their neighborhoods and build community support for trees.
Tree Care Door Hangers
CRTI offers free Tree Care Door Hangers that provide guidelines on how to care for trees by watering and mulching properly.
Tree Management Plans
CRTI resources can help local government agencies develop plans for managing their trees.
Tree Planting Tool Kits for Communities
CRTI offers curated sets of planting tools and tree care materials for municipalities, communities, and organizations across the Chicago region for tree planting and tree care.
Tree Risk Tool Kit
CRTI’s Tree Risk Tool Kit includes several resources to help municipal officials run a more efficient and safe forestry program. Residents can also find resources to better select, plant, and care for trees to manage tree risk on their property.
Urban and Community Forestry Awards
CRTI recognizes public and private organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond this past year on behalf of the regional forest and the residents who live here with the annual Urban and Community Forestry Awards, presented at CRTI’s annual partner celebration.
Urban and Community Forestry Grants
A variety of public and private funding opportunities may be available for your organization to accomplish your environmental and forestry goals through CRTI.
Witness Trees of Illinois
CRTI and its partners are looking for a special kind of tree—witness trees, the historic trees that helped map the state of Illinois. Anyone with an eye for trees can help.