$15M Grant Will Help Morton Arboretum Revive Urban Forests

LISLE, IL — Morton Arboretum recently made history by being awarded a $15 million grant to help revive urban forestry in the greater Chicagoland area. The award is part of $1 billion in funding from the U.S. Forest Service to aid efforts supporting urban trees throughout the country.

The arboretum plans to use the grant money via sub-grants as part of its Chicago Region Trees Initiative, donating funds to benefit initiatives in underserved communities.

“This is significant recognition from the U.S. Forest Service of The Morton Arboretum’s expertise and proven ability to partner with organizations and manage sub-grant funding for community forestry projects,” Morton Arboretum President and CEO Jill Koski said in a statement.

“Numerous scientific studies have proven the benefits of a mature tree canopy, including healthier and more resilient people and communities,” CRTI Director Lydia Scott added. “Those who live in areas with low tree canopy are disproportionately impacted by poor air quality, flooding, higher temperatures and associated health challenges. All of these are issues that trees help to address.”

Since its inception in 2014, the CRTI has helped foster urban forestry initiatives and training for areas surrounding Chicago. In 2022, launched an initiative to plant 3,000 trees throughout nearly 70 communities in the Chicago region.