Our Stories

Our Stories

As part of the City’s Environmental Justice commitment, Our Roots Chicago grew out of the City’s Climate Action Plan. By increasing canopy coverage across community areas that would most benefit from trees, we are investing in future generations—and we couldn’t do it without you!

As we work with community partners and tree ambassadors to reach our goal of 75,000 trees over the next five years, we aim to elevate resident voices and share the impact of a rich urban canopy.

Our Voices

Our Roots Chicago is community-driven and data-informed, but a sense of belonging is immeasurable. While we can share the benefits of trees, Chicagoans can share the benefits they see, so we are elevating some of their experiences.

Our Community

Stone Temple Baptist Church Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick leading Arbor Day 2022 in North Lawndale

Stone Temple Baptist Church Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick leading Arbor Day 2022 in North Lawndale

Mi Villita Neighbors attending the pilot Tree Ambassador training in Little Village

Mi Villita Neighbors attending the pilot Tree Ambassador training in Little Village

Our Roots Chicago

The Chicago Muslim Green Team joining the pilot Tree Ambassador training in Pilsen

A CDPH leader attending the pilot Tree Ambassador training in Pilsen

A CDPH leader attending the pilot Tree Ambassador training in Pilsen

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative leading a Tree Ambassador training at Enlace in Little Village

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative leading a Tree Ambassador training at Enlace in Little Village

Participants attending the pilot Tree Ambassador training in North Lawndale

Participants attending the pilot Tree Ambassador training in North Lawndale

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative and The Trust for Public Land joining the TREEmendous pilot Tree Ambassador Training at St. Agatha Catholic Church in North Lawndale

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative and The Trust for Public Land joining the TREEmendous pilot Tree Ambassador Training at St. Agatha Catholic Church in North Lawndale

Trinity Pierce, MA, from Chicago Region Trees Initiative leading a Tree Ambassador training at Enlace in Little Village

Trinity Pierce, MA, from Chicago Region Trees Initiative leading a Tree Ambassador training at Enlace in Little Village

Tree Ambassador Dr. Doug Williams posing with the West Chesterfield Community Association Cultural Center sign in Roseland

Tree Ambassador Dr. Doug Williams posing with the West Chesterfield Community Association Cultural Center sign in Roseland

Members of the City of Chicago Tree Equity Working Group planting a tree for Arbor Day 2023 in Archer Heights

Members of the City of Chicago Tree Equity Working Group planting a tree for Arbor Day 2023 in Archer Heights

Through the work of the Tree Equity Working Group and the Tree Ambassador Program, we have already been able to plant more than 18,000 trees, creating healthier communities and improving the environment. Together, we identify priority areas and potential tree locations to expand the City’s tree canopy in these community areas.

  • West Lawn
  • West Garfield Park
  • Fuller Park
  • North Lawndale
  • East Garfield Park
  • Chicago Lawn
  • Riverdale
  • Englewood
  • Oakland
  • West Englewood
  • Armour Square
  • Austin
  • Washington Park
  • Auburn Gresham
  • Greater Grand Crossing
  • Archer Heights
  • Humboldt Park
  • West Elsdon
  • Gage Park
  • Brighton Park
  • New City
  • South Lawndale

Our Future

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

See an example of how one Chicago neighborhood could transform over time by expanding its tree canopy.

Our Opportunities

Help your neighborhood by getting involved! You can:

  • Plant your future and request a free tree by calling 311 or downloading the CHI311 app: 

    Google Play    Apple app store

  • Join the Tree Equity Working Group by emailing ourroots@cityofchicago.org.
  • Sign up to receive updates on environmental news in your community and across the City at chicago.gov/envcommunityinfo.
Tree planting in Chicago
Tree planting in Chicago

Our Opportunities

Help your neighborhood by getting involved! You can:

  • Plant your future and request a free tree by calling 311 or downloading the CHI311 app: 

    Google Play    Apple app store

  • Join the Tree Equity Working Group by emailing ourroots@cityofchicago.org.
  • Sign up to receive updates on environmental news in your community and across the City at chicago.gov/envcommunityinfo.