Hillcrest High School Arboretum Recognized as a Model for Youth Engagement in Urban Forestry

Hillcrest High School’s partnership with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) and ArbNet is receiving recognition as an inspiring model for youth and community engagement in urban forestry.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Theresa Kelsey, members of Hillcrest High School’s Ecology Club took the lead in developing an accredited arboretum on the school’s campus. Mrs. Kelsey guided and supported students throughout the planning, planting, and accreditation process. Students helped shape the project, including the thoughtful selection of native tree species that benefit both the school and the surrounding community. Their work created a meaningful green space while providing hands-on opportunities to learn about conservation, environmental stewardship, and the importance of a healthy urban tree canopy.

Hillcrest’s story was recently featured during a Green City Rising panel at the Chicago Cultural Center. Green City Rising, an innovative urban-design concept developed by The Morton Arboretum, was selected as one of six finalists from nearly 200 submissions in World Business Chicago’s Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050 competition.

During the panel, representatives from The Morton Arboretum highlighted how Mrs. Kelsey, Hillcrest’s student-led Ecology Club, CRTI, and ArbNet worked together to create the school’s arboretum. The project was praised as a successful and replicable model for engaging young people in environmental work. Audience members responded enthusiastically, with one participant specifically recognizing Hillcrest’s approach as an excellent example of youth involvement with trees and the environment.

This recognition demonstrates how the leadership of Mrs. Kelsey and the efforts of Hillcrest students extend far beyond the school’s campus. The partnership, planning process, and student-led systems used to establish the arboretum are now helping inspire ideas for future community and urban forestry projects throughout the Chicago region.