Programs

Providing benefits to all the people and wildlife in the Chicago region

We have developed these programs to inform, inspire, and empower people to plant and care for trees.

Grants Hub

Find opportunities for grant funding related to urban forestry and environmental initiatives.
Homeowner Hub

Find trusted information on selecting, planting, and caring for trees and for hiring a qualified arborist.
Invasive Species Hub

Find resources for homeowners, volunteers, and land managers managing invasive woody plants.
Tree Advocacy Hub

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative provides the expertise and tools for you to become a tree advocate.
21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Protection Entry-Level Components

This tool created by the CRTI Trees and Green Infrastructure Work Group helps Illinois residents form the foundation of a 21st century ordinance for tree protection.
21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Protection Advanced Components

This resource is an extension of the entry-level components for building a 21st century ordinance for tree protection in Illinois.
21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Preservation in Land Development: Entry-Level Components

This tool helps Illinois residents form the foundation of a 21st century ordinance for tree preservation in land development.
21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Preservation in Land Development: Advanced Components

This resource is an extension of the entry-level components for building a 21st century ordinance for tree preservation in land development.
2022–2024 Urban and Community Forestry Grant

Grant funding is available for local units of government in Illinois.
Annual Partner Recognition Celebration

Connect with fellow partners and celebrate our combined efforts.
Canopy Counts Program

Help track the growth of the region’s canopy.
Chicago Region Carbon Program

Generate funding for urban forests through the sale of carbon credits.
Community Forestry Survey

This survey is used to measure the capacity to care for trees on public lands in the Chicago region.
Community Tree Champion Volunteers

Help improve the health of the Chicago region by joining the Community Tree Champion volunteer program.
Community Tree Network

Sharing expertise about trees helps everyone to create greener, healthier communities.
CRTI Contract Grower Program

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is seeking bids from tree nurseries for a five-year contract growing relationship.
CRTI Tree Preservation Ordinance Templates

Help protect your community’s trees with sound policy.
CRTI Urban Forestry Awards

CRTI recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals in the Chicago region.
Healthy Habitat Series

Identify and replace woody invasive plants, improve health and conservation practices at home, and learn best management practices for large properties.
Oak Ecosystems Recovery Project

Oaks are vitally important to the Chicago region and they need our protection.
OAKtober—Oak Awareness Month

Celebrate the beauty and importance of oak trees in Illinois.
Plant Trees Digital Campaign

Plant trees for a greener, healthier, more equitable Chicago region.
Plant Trees for Communities

One tree was planted for every Chicago community in 2021.
Tree Ambassador Program

Join the Tree Ambassador Program to grow the canopy in your neighborhood by partnering with us and a community group.
Tree Care Door Hangers

Share the basics of tree care with your neighbors.
Tree Planting Tool Kits for Communities

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is offering free tool kits for tree planting and tree care for communities.
Tree Risk Toolkit

Work with elected officials to reduce tree risk.
Trees and Tacos Arboricultural Career Fair

Learn about pathways to careers in tree care.
Urban Forestry Basic Training

Learn about topics such as forestry safety, tree selection, planting and pruning, and more.
2023 Chicago Region Earmark — Urban and Community Forestry Support in the Chicago Region Grant Program

Grant funding is available for local units of government in the Chicagoland region.
WaukGrow: Growing Food Forests in Waukegan, IL

Trees can be part of a solution to community challenges, including access to food.
Witness Trees of Illinois

Search for the trees that helped map Illinois.

Contribute to a greener, healthier Chicago region.

Get involved

Programs list

Grants Hub

Homeowner Hub

Invasive Species Hub

Tree Advocacy Hub

21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Protection Entry-Level Components

21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Protection Advanced Components

21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Preservation in Land Development: Entry-Level Components

21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Preservation in Land Development: Advanced Components

2022–2024 Urban and Community Forestry Grant

Annual Partner Recognition Celebration

Canopy Counts Program

Chicago Region Carbon Program

Community Forestry Survey

Community Tree Champion Volunteers

Community Tree Network

CRTI Contract Grower Program

CRTI Tree Preservation Ordinance Templates

CRTI Urban Forestry Awards

Healthy Habitat Series

Oak Ecosystems Recovery Project

OAKtober—Oak Awareness Month

Plant Trees Digital Campaign

Plant Trees for Communities

Tree Ambassador Program

Tree Care Door Hangers

Tree Planting Tool Kits for Communities

Tree Risk Toolkit

Trees and Tacos Arboricultural Career Fair

Urban Forestry Basic Training

2023 Chicago Region Earmark — Urban and Community Forestry Support in the Chicago Region Grant Program

WaukGrow: Growing Food Forests in Waukegan, IL

Witness Trees of Illinois

Contribute to a greener, healthier Chicago region.