Trees Forever is dedicated to enhancing community forests across Illinois. We provide support in the following areas:
- Disaster & Pest Preparedness/Recovery – Assisting communities in responding to threats like the emerald ash borer.
- Street Tree Inventories – Assessing and managing community tree populations.
- Forestry Program Development & Ordinance Updates – Assisting in creating and improving local forestry policies.
- Volunteer Tree Committees – Establishing and supporting community-led tree groups.
- Tree City USA Status – Helping communities achieve and maintain this national recognition.
- Tree Canopy Education – Educating residents on the benefits and maintenance of healthy urban forests.
Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, these valuable resources are available to Illinois communities.
Bring high-quality urban forestry education to your community!
Trees Forever offers presentations and workshops free of charge for audiences including volunteer groups, clubs, city staff, and more!
You bring the people, and we provide the content.
Topics Include:
– Tree species selection
– How to plant a tree
– Hands-on pruning workshops
– Benefits of Tree City USA certification
– Trees Forever funding and assistance
– Planning healthy and resilient urban forests
– Benefits of urban trees, and more!
Join us for our upcoming webinars!
November
Level up your urban forest with Tree City USA!
Tree City USA is a nationwide program of the Arbor Day Foundation, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and supported by Trees Forever staff. Learn the many benefits of getting your hometown to Tree City USA status by connecting with our Illinois field staff. Contact Trees Forever and we will support your community through the entire process.
Volunteer tree inventory assistance for your community
Trees Forever can help your Illinois community organize a Volunteer Tree Inventory – free of charge! Whether in-person, virtual, or a combination, we offer free training to guide you through the process. A tree inventory helps you understand and manage the public trees in your community. By knowing the species, condition, and location of every tree, you’ll gain crucial information for effective tree management.
If your community meets these criteria, Trees Forever can oversee your entire volunteer inventory and provide the tools you need, including iPads:
- Public trees only (nothing on private property)
- At least five volunteers familiar with tree identification (Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are a great fit!)
- Community size under 5,000 residents, OR a limited inventory area (e.g., downtown street trees or a specific park)
Once your inventory is complete, you’ll receive all data in a spreadsheet. From there, you can update and expand the inventory as needed over time. Contact us to learn how we can help you organize your volunteer tree inventory!
Troubled by tree ordinances?
Our staff can help your community create a new tree ordinance or update your existing one to ensure a vibrant and urban canopy for years to come.
Our Illinois Field Coordinators are available to support your community with any of these forestry goals. Contact us at:
Connie Cowan
Illinois Program Manager
(618) 570-5921
ccowan@treesforever.org
