TreeKeepers
Forest trees can live for over 100 years, but urban trees, forced to contend with pollution and limited space for growth, usually survive for only about fifteen years unless they receive special attention—approximately 1,000 trees die in Chicago every year due to neglect. That's why, since 1991, TreeKeepers have worked throughout the city to keep its trees healthy, administering proper care and promptly recognizing and reporting harmful pests, such as the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle from Asia that targets and kills ash trees.
Spring 2012 TreeKeepers classes begin March 3
With dwindling funding for tree planting and tree care at the federal, state and city levels, how can our region's urban forests be maintained and sustained? For more than 20 years, Openlands has been training volunteers to become TreeKeepers – volunteers focused on community forestry who are planting, maintaining and monitoring trees throughout the greater Chicago region. What sets the TreeKeepers program apart is the depth of the seven-class Treekeepers curriculum; the professional experts who are brought in to teach the classes; and the way our volunteers are empowered to lead projects in their own communities, as well as join in existing opportunities.
Celebrating 20 years of TreeKeepers
This year, Openlands' TreeKeepers program celebrates its 20th anniversary. More than 1,300 people have taken the TreeKeepers classes. Collectively, they have combated threats such as the Asian long-horned beetle and emerald ash borer, developed a community arboretum in North Lawndale, and undertaken comprehensive tree inventories in several Chicago parks. In 2010 alone, TreeKeeper volunteers dedicated more than 15,000 volunteer hours to protecting our urban forests.
Historic Oak Propagation Project
Rejuvenate Oak Park’s tree canopy with the West Suburban TreeKeepers’s Historic Oak Propagation Project (HOPP). Started in the fall of 2008, Openlands TreeKeepers and local students collected hundreds of acorns from Oak Park's pre-European settlement oak trees. Then, in partnership with the Morton Arboretum, the acorns were planted, re-potted several times, and are now ready for planting in their permanent homes in Oak Park. (Click 
here to view and download an electronic copy of the HOPP oak seedling adoption/sponsorship form—click here to view frequently asked questions about the HOPP initiative.)
Julia Peet Tree Fund
Trees not only provide many benefits to our city but can also be an enduring tribute to a friend or loved on. Shauna and Karl Peet, longtime supporters of Openlands, honored the birth of their daughter by establishing the Julia Peet Tree Fund, which supports planting and the maintenance of a wide variety of trees in neighborhoods throughout Chicago—many desperately lacking for open space.
For more information about memorial or tribute gifts, please contact Openlands Director of Development Jennifer Mullman via e-mail or by phone at 312-863-6261.
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