Chicago, IL - On Friday, April 29, 2022, Chicago Gateway Green, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Beam Suntory celebrated the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day with a day of planting and beautifying Chicago’s green spaces in Humboldt Park. CDOT planted 80 trees along Sacramento Boulevard between Augusta and Grand. More than 70 Beam Suntory and Chicago Gateway Green volunteers mulched each tree to give them a strong start.

“We’re proud to celebrate Arbor Day today, planting 80 trees that will provide lasting benefit to this community for generations to come,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi. “And with dedicated partners like Chicago Gateway Green, we can ensure the long-term health of trees and therefore the long-term health and resilience of our city and our residents.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Chicago Gateway Green to give back to our communities,” said Paula Erickson, Beam Suntory SVP Chief Human Resources Officer. “Along with supporting our Proof Positive sustainability goal of planting more than 500,000 trees per year by 2030, we’re proud to help further their efforts in transforming our communities into tree-filled green spaces.”

CDOT planted today’s trees under the citywide program, Our Roots Chicago, which was launched today by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. The goal to plant 75,000 trees represents a doubling in tree planting over the previous year. This effort will help improve canopy coverage in communities with current coverage below Chicago’s 16% average, helping build resilience against serious climate change impacts such as urban heat island effects and frequent flooding.

“We are pleased to be working with Mayor Lightfoot, her team, and Beam Suntory on this Arbor Day initiative. Mayor Lightfoot has been a huge supporter of Chicago Gateway Green and our efforts to beautify the city. We look forward to working with her team and using the resources she has offered, including providing as many trees as we need for our various tree-planting initiatives around the city. We cannot thank her enough for the continued support,” said Grant DePorter, Chair, Chicago Gateway Green.

Media Contact: Victoria Kent, 815.529.1910 / victoria@victoriakentpr.com

About Chicago Gateway Green

Chicago Gateway Green is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to the greening and beautification of Chicago’s gateways, expressway and neighborhoods through landscape enhancement, litter and graffiti removal and the installation of public art. To learn more about Chicago Gateway Green, please visit gatewaygreen.org. Chicago Gateway Green can also be found on Twitter & Instagram @Gateway_Green | Facebook: Chicago Gateway Green. Tickets: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTM3MjEz.

About Beam Suntory As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com