Individual Action
There are many ways that individuals can get involved in helping trees in their own yards, in their communities, and throughout the region.
CRTI has resources to help all community members get engaged in improving the region’s tree canopy to ensure the benefits of trees are enjoyed by all.
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.
Community Tree Network
Hosted by CRTI, the Community Tree Network brings together tree experts and community members to share knowledge.
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 Work Groups
Join one of the four active work groups within CRTI’s partner network and help create and improve resources and outreach efforts on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and other needs for the regional forest.
How to Care for Trees
Learn how to care for trees on your own property and in your community.
How to Deal With Woody Invasive Plants
Learn how to deal with invasive 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.
Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners
The digital resources collected in the Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners offer private landowners and homeowners land and tree management tools to use, learn from, and share with their friends and neighbors.
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 help select, plant, and care for trees to manage tree risk on their property.
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.
Resources for Community Groups
Community groups, places of worship, schools, and other local organizations have an important role in speaking up for trees, organizing plantings, and caring for trees and green spaces in their neighborhoods.
CRTI has resources to support community groups in their work to improve the tree canopy.
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.
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 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 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
Join one of the four active work groups within CRTI’s partner network and help create and improve resources and outreach efforts on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and other 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 Speak Up for Trees
Learn how individuals and groups can advocate for more trees, better tree care, and an improved tree canopy.
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 Planting Tool Kits for Communities
CRTI offers curated sets of planting tools and tree care materials to 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 help select, plant, and care for trees to manage tree risk on their property.
Urban and Community Forestry Grants
A variety of public and private funding opportunities may be available for community groups through CRTI.
Resources for Property Owners and Residents
Residents and property owners have an important role in caring for trees and improving the tree canopy. CRTI has resources to help property owners to care for their trees and to encourage all community members to get involved in improving the tree canopy for everyone.
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. Homeowners can see how their trees fit into their community’s tree canopy.
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.
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 Care for Trees
Learn how to care for trees on your own property and in your community.
How to Deal With Woody Invasive Plants
Learn how to deal with invasive plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle on your property.
Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners
The digital resources collected in the Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners offer private landowners and homeowners land and tree management tools to use, learn from, and share with their friends and neighbors.
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 buffer zones, including home yards, that protect and connect these ecosystems.
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 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 help select, plant, and care for trees to manage tree risk on their property.
Resources for People Who Work with Trees
Professionals in the tree care and landscape industries are important partners in the work of the Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative.
Some programs and opportunities are of special interest to everyone who works with trees, including landscape contractors, municipal staff, trained arborists, and forestry professionals.
Community Tree Network
Hosted by CRTI, the Community Tree Network brings together tree experts and community members to share knowledge.
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 Work Groups
Join one of the active work groups within CRTI’s partner network and help create and improve resources and outreach efforts on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and the other needs of the regional forest.
How to Care for Trees
Learn basic tree care for homeowners and for anyone else who works with trees.
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.
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.
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 governments develop plans for managing their trees.
CRTI and Partner Events
The Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative and its many partners, including community, civic, nonprofit, and green industry organizations and businesses, municipalities, forest preserves, and park districts, hold tree-focused events throughout the year.
The partner networks within CRTI also hold meetings that bring people together to work for trees.
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 Newsletters
Monthly email newsletters from CRTI include notices of events, grant opportunities, and other news concerning urban and community forestry.
CRTI 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.
CRTI Work Groups
Join one of the four active work groups within CRTI’s partner network and help create and improve resources and outreach efforts on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and other needs for the regional forest.
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.
Community Tree Network
Hosted by CRTI, the Community Tree Network brings together tree experts and community members to share knowledge.
Urban and Community Forestry Awards
CRTI recognizes public and private organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond on behalf of the regional forest and the residents who live here with the annual Urban and Community Forestry Awards, presented at the partner recognition celebration.
Data and Maps to Guide Local Action for Trees
The work of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative is based on an extensive range of data about the region’s tree canopy. The data are presented for use by local governments and other agencies, community groups, nonprofits and other agencies concerned with trees.
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 Tree Census
The 2020 Chicago Region Tree Census serves as a strategic guide for local and regional stakeholders to understand current trends and make informed decisions about how to protect and improve the forest to benefit residents and communities.
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.
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.
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 have produced the Oak Connectivity Map, identifying where oak ecosystems remain and mapped corridors and buffers that can protect and connect these ecosystems.
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.
Building Local Government Capacity
The responsibility for planting and caring for millions of the region’s trees belongs to municipalities, park districts, forest preserve districts, and school districts.
CRTI offers many resources and tools to help local governments protect and care for trees.
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 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 help create and improve resources and outreach efforts on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and other needs for the regional forest.
How to Build Laws, Regulations, and Policies to Protect Trees
CRTI offers guidance and templates for developing proposed tree protection and tree preservation ordinances.
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
This 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.
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.
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 help select, plant, and care for trees to manage tree risk on their property.
Urban and Community Forestry Grants
A variety of public and private funding opportunities may be available for government agencies and other organizations through CRTI.
Managing Natural Areas
Many of the trees that provide benefits to people in the Chicago region are not in neighborhoods but in natural areas on both public and private property.
CRTI provides resources and opportunities to the managers of these lands.
Community Tree Network
Hosted by CRTI, the Community Tree Network brings together tree experts and community members to share knowledge.
CRTI Work Groups
Join one of the four active work groups within CRTI’s partner network and help create and improve resources and outreach efforts on tree planting, stewardship, research, education, policy, skill and training development, and other 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 Deal With Woody Invasive Plants
Learn how to deal with invasive plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle on your property.
Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners
The digital resources collected in the Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners offer private landowners and homeowners land and tree management tools to use, learn from, and share with their friends and neighbors.
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 mapped corridors and buffers that 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.
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.
Corporate Programs and Giving
Businesses and corporate entities are valuable partners in The Morton Arboretum’s work to improve the tree canopy of the Chicago region. Through the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, businesses can take action for 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.
Support CRTI
When you make a gift to support CRTI, you can help protect and improve the health of trees in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois for the benefit of everyone.
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 Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners
The digital resources collected in the Oak Awareness, Preservation, and Protection Resource Packets for Landowners offer private landowners and homeowners land and tree management tools to use, learn from, and share with their friends and neighbors.
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 help 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.