Leading the way to a healthy, sustainable, equitable regional forest for everyone
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.
The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative was awarded a Program Excellence Award at the American Public Gardens Association’s 2025 annual conference. The award is presented to an APGA institutional member who has displayed a truly innovative spirit in the development of an original and completed program.
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.
Resources and tools from CRTI inform, advise, inspire, and empower people and communities to plant and care for trees and find funding to support action.
Explore data and 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!
There are many ways you can make a difference for trees and people.
Discover tools to help you become an advocate for trees.
Find trusted information on selecting, planting, and caring for trees and on hiring a qualified arborist.
Draw on guidance and tools to help local governments and public agencies develop laws and policies to safeguard trees.
Learn how to deal with invasive plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle on your property.
Explore opportunities for grant funding related to urban forestry and environmental initiatives.
Get basic tree care training and find advanced resources for people who work with trees.
Find data on the tree canopy cover, plantable space, and types of land use for community areas in the Chicago region. Locate your community on the interactive map or download your community’s summary report.
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.
Help map trees and tree-ready spaces in your community with the Canopy Counts Program web app. Information you add will help CRTI, your local government, and community organizations understand how best to care for trees in the region.
