Leading the way to a healthy, sustainable, equitable regional forest for everyone
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is The Morton Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program, working to improve people’s lives by supporting the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of trees in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois.
Trees that grow where people live make their lives better. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative takes action to improve the tree canopy in communities throughout the region and beyond. CRTI’s work includes building municipal and civic capacity and support for the care and planting of trees; creating strong partnerships with community members, government agencies, and the green industry; inspiring and training tree stewards; coordinating action to improve the future for oaks; and providing science-informed guidance for on-the-ground action.
CRTI acts through a wide range of programs in areas such as tree health, communications, sustainability, stewardship, and corporate engagement, as well as support services such as helping communities to plant trees and obtain funding.
Explore these resources from CRTI that inform, advise, inspire, and empower people and communities to plant and care for trees and find funding to support action.
Explore maps of tree canopy distribution across the region that prioritize communities with the greatest need for more investment in trees.
Discover opportunities to participate in tree plantings, receive professional training, and learn more about trees.
CRTI needs partners like you to ensure that trees are healthier, more abundant, more diverse, and more equitably distributed to all people and communities in the Chicago region.
Get Involved
You don’t have to be a professional arborist to make a difference in the regional forest. If you care about the trees around you, you can have an impact and leave a legacy in your community!
Find resources to help you make a difference for trees and people.
