The Chicago Region Trees Initiative, a collaboration of organizations working to preserve, protect and enhance the urban forest, is developing a tree canopy cover goal for the Chicago region by county.

The Kane County Planning Cooperative is working with the CRTI to develop a tree canopy cover goal for Kane County and will hold a workshop set for 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at the Barbara Belding Lodge, Brewster Creek Forest Preserve on IL Route 25 in St. Charles Township.

• To RSVP, e-mail Melissa Custic at mcustic@mortonarb.org

Why should we care?

“Because these beautiful creatures of nature provide us with an array of benefits,” says Karen Miller, executive planner for the Kane County Development Department.

Lydia Scott, director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, says a healthy tree canopy can:

• Clean pollutants from the air that can cause illnesses like asthma and cancer;
• Clean water in lakes, rivers and groundwater;
• Sequester and store carbon from greenhouse gas emissions;
• Support the economy by increasing property values and by reducing energy bills, stormwater flood damage and crime rates;
• Improve immune systems, lower blood pressure and psychological health;
• Provide habitat for native birds, mammals and pollinators; and
• Significantly improve an area’s aesthetic value, which increases property values and contributes to livable communities.

The urban forest is comprised of all the trees on public and private land across all land uses in Kane County where people live, work and recreate, including street trees, forested natural areas and even the trees in residents’ back yards.

“Unfortunately the state of our urban forest needs our help because of intense infestations from invasive insects and plants; low species and age diversity; below average canopy cover; inadequate funding to support their care; and inadequate number of trees in lower income communities,” Scott said.

What can Kane County residents do to help?

“First, we need to increase awareness of our urban forest with elected officials and the general public in order to increase resources,” Scott said. “Please join us on Sept. 19 to improve our urban forest!”

Chicago Region Trees Initiative Workshop

• When: 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 19, 2016
• Where: Barbara Belding Lodge, Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, 6N921 IL Route 25, St. Charles.
•  To RSVP: E-mail Melissa Custic at mcustic@mortonarb.org