Hundreds Of Volunteers To Add 300 Trees To Flossmoor's Canopy

FLOSSMOOR, IL — In what is being heralded as the largest single-day, volunteer-driven tree planting in Chicagoland, hundreds of volunteers will disperse across Flossmoor Oct. 15 to plant trees that will fill holes in the village's canopy.

"Plant the Gem" is an effort dreamt up by Flossmoor resident Tristan Shaw, made possible with the help of Village officials, organizations, grants—and now slews of volunteers who will sink the trees into their new homes.

Flossmoor Green Commission member Shaw came up with the idea after hearing feeding from his wife and other runners who participated in the inaugural Hidden Gem Half-Marathon several years ago.

"I read their talking points about tree-lined streets, and architecture," Shaw said. "It hit me, tree-lined streets."

Shaw hopped on his bike and rode the route, realizing along the way that there were several sections that did not have tree cover, or canopy. He and his wife set to counting how many trees they believed were missing, and estimated it to be about 300.

The seed was planted, and Shaw began exploring options to bring his vision to life. He reached out to Tom Dobrez, president of Flossmoor’s Future, the non-profit organization behind the Hidden Gem race.

"That’s how it all started," Shaw said. "I saw how well-organized they were, and it takes a lot of people to plant this many trees. ... If this was gonna happen, we were going to need a lot of help."

In its early stages, Shaw had yet to secure any funding for the project, but before he sought it out, he wanted to be sure other resources were in place.

"I didn’t have any money or anything," he said. "I just wanted to make sure I had support from them to help mobilize the people. ... Everyone and anyone who would listen, who would help us get these trees in the ground."

With support from Dobrez, the Village of Flossmoor and the Morton Arboretum, Shaw pursued grant money, securing $30,000 in federal funds made available to the Chicago Regional Tree Initiative courtesy of Rep. Sean Casten. CRTI Stewardship Manager and Certified Arborist Trinity Pierce said the decision to award Flossmoor with the $30,000 was largely based on the Hidden Gem Half Marathon’s success in mobilizing a large number of volunteers for its annual event

“When we learned (there is) such an active volunteer program around the Gem, which attracts people interested in healthy living, healthy activities, we knew it was a good fit,” said Trinity Pierce, Stewardship Manager and Certified Arborist with CRTI. “Our program is all about connecting folks with trees in any way we can, advocating for trees because they provide us so many benefits, and creating a tree canopy that is more diverse, more abundant, and more economically dispersed in our seven-county region.”

Shaw is now so close to seeing his plan set in motion, and Dobrez is excited to see a volunteer force fulfill such a lofty goal.

"Nothing speaks more to Flossmoor’s future than an epic tree planting," said Dobrez. "Being able to mobilize hundreds of residents to a singular event that will leave an impact for decades is an opportunity that's hard to resist. Or as we say, a 'tree-mendous' chance for Flossmoor to shine.

A total of 10 tree species were identified by the Flossmoor Green Commission and Flossmoor Forestry Maintenance Technician Dave Becker, all of which are locally sourced and native to the region to promote tree diversity and growth prosperity.

"The environmental services that native trees give to our birds and pollinators is extremely important," Shaw said.

Mayor Michelle Nelson applauded Shaw's vision ahead of the planting effort.

“October 15 will certainly be a day for the history books here in Flossmoor, but the environmental impact and the lasting benefits it will provide our community and our region, is what really makes Plant the Gem special,” said Mayor Nelson.

An estimated 300 volunteers will be assigned to specific zones, all along the route the Hidden Gem runners follow. The planting will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“Being recognized by the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Regional Tree Initiative has meant a great deal to the Hidden Gem Committee, and we couldn't be prouder to join them and the Village's impressive Green Commission for this record-breaking event," Dobrez said. "For our volunteers, it will be four hours of work for a lifetime of enjoyment and a lasting legacy for our town."

Shaw is eager, if a bit nervous, to see his plan in action.

“It’s not done yet," Shaw said, laughing. "It’s been a rollercoaster, for sure, of getting this to come together. I really look forward to working with everyone, appreciate everyone’s help."