The Chicago Region Trees Initiative provides a regional model for planting and protecting a sustainable natural environment in and around cities and communities.
Ted Gregory reports on the results of a recent tree census in the seven-county Chicago region that found more than 157 million trees, "a number that translates to about 21 percent of the area covered in trees and shrubs — well below the national average of 27 percent."
Gregory describes the effort of surveying and cataloguing the region's trees, part of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, as the most comprehensive tree census of any large U.S. metropolitan area.
The Chicago region, like many other parts of the country, is recovering from the emerald ash borer scourge, which "experts say will have wiped out 13 million trees by the time it moves downstate." The state has also been devastated by the European buckthorn, "an invasive plant that shoves out the state's native oak." The Chicago Region Trees Initiative hopes to build a sustainable blanket of plant life in northeast Illinois, with the help of 13 partner organizations. The article includes more details about the early efforts of the initiative.
FULL STORY: After emerald ash borer scourge, campaign under way to replant lost trees
Protecting Chicago’s Tree Canopy
Advocates for urban greening are asking the city to boost its tree planting efforts and protect existing trees, which are a key tool for fighting the effects of climate change and worsening heat waves.
Cities Preparing for the Worst as the Emerald Ash Borer Comes to Town
A tiny insect, native to Asia, has been killing trees in huge numbers around the United States since 2002. With the emerald ash borer expected to spread, cities are trying to prepare to combat the worst of the devastation.
Take Care of Trees (They Take Care of You)
New research suggests that trees offer a "layer of protection" for cardiovascular disease.
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The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
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A Lone Voice for Climate: How The Wild Robot Stands Apart in Hollywood
Among this year’s Oscar-nominated films, only The Wild Robot passed the Climate Reality Check, a test measuring climate change representation in storytelling, highlighting the ongoing lack of climate awareness in mainstream Hollywood films.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research