Chicago Heights Park District Awarded Grant to Boost Community Tree Canopy

Chicago Heights, IL January 20, 2025 — Chicago Heights Park District has been awarded a $242,750.00 subgrant by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) to improve the community tree canopy.

The competitive subgrant is among nearly 40 provided to nonprofits, government entities and other eligible groups through Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, administered by CRTI.

The four-year grants, which do not require matching funds, are available for projects in communities that meet the federal requirements as disadvantaged. The funding can be used for projects that increase tree canopy, improve forest health, and create or enhance community forestry programs.

“The CHPD and Board of Commissioners are honored and excited to be a recipient of this funding and the benefits it will have on our entire community,” states Superintendent Dr. Shari Demitrowicz.

Through this subgrant, the Chicago Heights Park District will utilize funds to improve the understanding, management, and care of our urban forest in both the short and long term, as well as increase its growth and health.  Our goal of increasing community engagement and partnerships through this process by involving community residents and local school students is critical to the development and sustainability of our green spaces. The meaningful work included in this project will provide a safe, attractive, and highly functioning urban forest that produces environmental benefits in years to come.  The work associated with this funding will be completed by 2029.”  

Various projects funded through the CRTI sub-grants include tree planting and the formation of tree inventory and management plans, in both urban and rural areas, to help increase efficiency and proactiveness in community forestry, as well as support local economies and businesses through improved infrastructure and workforce development.

“Improving the distribution of trees and green spaces directly impacts the health and economic outcomes for communities,” said CRTI Director Zach Wirtz. “Projects like this improve quality of life and boost the urban tree canopy’s resilience to threats posed by environmental conditions, pests and diseases.”

Funding support for this project was provided by the IRA through the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.