Mayor Brandon Johnson joined community leaders and residents in West Woodlawn to celebrate Arbor Day with an event focused on expanding Chicago’s urban canopy, particularly in neighborhoods that need it the most.
The tree-planting event, hosted by the environmental and economic justice nonprofit Blacks in Green, highlighted the City’s initiative known as Our Roots Chicago.
This program aims to plant trees in South and West Side neighborhoods that have long been neglected when it comes to green spaces.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are planting trees in the neighborhoods in Chicago that need them most.”
He continued to stress that the Our Roots program is a significant step towards ensuring that every Chicagoan can enjoy the beauty and benefits of trees.
The mayor also recognized the hard work of city employees who have trimmed hundreds of thousands of trees while planting tens of thousands more, calling them critical in making Chicago a greener and more beautiful city.
The urgency of this tree-planting initiative is underscored in neighborhoods that historically lack tree coverage.
Without trees, these communities are at a higher risk of extreme heat and flooding, environmental challenges that threaten both health and housing stability.
Since its launch in 2022, the Our Roots Chicago program has seen notable success, with city departments like Streets and Sanitation (DSS) and Transportation (CDOT) planting over 60,000 parkway trees — surpassing 25,000 in areas most in need.
Chicago’s effort to enhance its green canopy is not proceeding in isolation.
Community-driven initiatives like the Morton Arboretum’s Tree Ambassador program and Openlands’ TreeKeepers program work to educate local residents about tree care and stewardship.
Additionally, the Tree Equity Working Group, a coalition comprising over 175 advocates, neighbors, nonprofits, and community groups, influences policies focused on fairness and inclusion.
Angela Tovar, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner, remarked, “Making Chicago greener and healthier is an effort that requires the work of many.”
She added that the collaboration between the City and its community partners ensures that everyone benefits from the improved health outcomes and livable neighborhoods that trees provide.
According to Tovar, this ongoing work symbolizes not just planting trees but also planting the seeds for health and economic prosperity.
Blacks in Green (BIG), the organization that hosted Friday’s event, has been a crucial player in this green movement.
Founded in 2007, BIG works towards creating sustainable and walkable communities within Black neighborhoods by enhancing green spaces, boosting economic opportunities, and fostering climate resilience.
Naomi Davis, the founder of BIG, connected the organization’s mission to her personal history in Mississippi, drawing a poignant narrative that underscores the importance of community and healing.
“Many folks know BIG’s origin story is grounded in my Mississippi roots, where my mom and her eight brothers and sisters were born, 13 miles from where Emmett Till was taken and tortured,” Davis stated.
She highlighted that Black in Green now owns Emmett Till’s childhood home and has planted three trees in that location, reinforcing the connection between their mission and significant historical narratives.
During the event, she announced the planting of a Kindred Spirit Oak, a tall and enduring tree species, across from Emmett Till School.
Davis noted, “Here in the West Woodlawn Sustainable Square Mile, Blacks in Green has planted over 400 trees and counting. It’s my honor to partner with the City of Chicago as we introduce next generations to this life-giving work.”
Chicago’s commitment to equity also extends beyond merely planting trees.
In April 2023, Streets and Sanitation revamped its tree-trimming approach, transitioning from a request-based model to a proactive, area-wide system.
Cole Stallard, the DSS Commissioner, mentioned, “Since transitioning to an area trim system, we have seen major improvements that help improve the quality of life of all residents.”
He explained that over the last two years, they have trimmed more than 180,000 trees, including those that had never been trimmed before.
CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney echoed Stallard’s sentiments, stating that trees are vital in creating more livable streets and making neighborhoods healthier and more beautiful.
Carney reiterated the City’s commitment to collaborating with various partners to foster a greener Chicago.
Residents wishing to enhance their local green spaces can apply for a free parkway tree through the CHI311 app or by calling 311.
For more details about the City’s tree-planting efforts, visit Chicago.gov/OurRoots, and for organizations interested in becoming Tree Ambassadors, more information is available at chicagorti.org/program/tree-ambassador-program.
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