This 2010 strategy paper introduces urban forestry, discusses the benefits provided by urban trees, and stresses the importance of everyone, from park districts to municipalities to residential property owners, working together to ensure the Chicago metropolitan urban forest is more healthy and robust through 2040. The strategy paper was prepared for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning by The Morton Arboretum and is available for download in its entirety.

This resource defines urban forestry, makes the case for the importance of the urban forest, and lays the groundwork for critical regional leadership in urban forestry. This paper also points out opportunities for enhanced management and use of the urban forest to better serve the entire region. These opportunities can be realized through interdisciplinary collaboration between development, transportation, environmental, and economic policies and programs.

About the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Created in 2005, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is the award-winning regional planning organization for the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning operates under authorizing legislation known as Public Act 095-0677 and by-laws.

About The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum’s mission is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance our environment. The Morton Arboretum’s goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.