In countless ways, trees are the root of our thriving communities
This Arbor Day, celebrated nationally on Friday, we have the opportunity to honor the vital role trees play in building resilient communities and enriching nearly every aspect of our lives. Cross-sector investment in tree planting and maintenance is a fiscally sound decision, as trees in turn provide economic benefits and help address climate change and other pressing challenges faced by communities in the Chicago region and beyond.
Trees lower energy costs, boost property values, reduce stormwater expenses, create jobs and support economies across Illinois. Trees also improve public health by reducing heat, cleaning the air, easing stress and encouraging activity — making our communities stronger.
Community forestry work is urgently needed in light of climate change. Research by the Morton Arboretum’s tree scientists and others shows that properly placed, diverse and cared-for trees cool neighborhoods, support biodiversity and build climate resilience.
The economic benefits of trees are far-reaching. The community forestry sector generates 500,000 jobs and contributes $37 billion to the U.S. economy annually, research shows. In Illinois, community forestry work supports 35,000 jobs and spurs $3.7 billion in economic growth, according to the Northeast-Midwest State Foresters Alliance.
For more than 100 years, the Morton Arboretum has been at the helm of science, conservation, preservation and engagement with trees, but increased action is needed now to scale up regional impact. Through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the arboretum has supported numerous community forestry projects in the state that underscore the potential of trees to drive economic growth and workforce development. Many communities take pride in their tree canopies, and thanks to the efforts of the IDNR and its urban and community forestry programs, 214 have earned the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA designations in Illinois this year — with even more applications under review and a potential record in sight.
The economic value of trees extends beyond the immediate impact of community forestry. Tree-lined shopping areas attract more customers who spend more money. Nationally, trees reduce energy costs by 7%, saving consumers $7 billion. A tree canopy also provides $73 billion in value through reduced stormwater runoff and air pollution.
Illinois taxpayers see savings valued at more than $288 million from air pollution reduction, stormwater mitigation and carbon sequestration.
Arbor Day is a key reminder: Trees are a fiscally sound investment for a healthier and more resilient future for our communities.
Jill Koski, president and CEO, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
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Mayor should adopt “don’t do stupid” stuff policy
At one point while in the Oval Office, President Barack Obama had a foreign policy strategy described as “Don’t do stupid sh—.” Mayor Brandon Johnson should adopt this mantra.
Don’t blame Rahm Emanuel for the city's current problems. Don’t support public money for a Bears stadium on the lakefront. Don’t force perfectly competent city staff into retirement. Don’t pick fights with aldermanic representatives who are itching for one. Don’t ignore or antagonize Gov. JB Pritzker, who is the currently viewed as "Illinois’ best elected official."
Johnson did a terrific job standing up for all people of Chicago when the dopes in Congress dragged him to Washington to beat him up about their failures to create a practical, workable and fair immigration policy. He needs to lead with that energy and stop going down roads filled with "stupid sh—.”
Don Anderson, Oak Park