Chicago Region Trees Initiative

The first of ten thousand acres: Nicor Gas funds planting of 17 trees over 1.23 acres at accessible playground in Downers Grove

Back in April, Nicor Gas announced its ambitious sustainability initiative to support the conservation of 10,000 acres of open land within our service area. One of our key donations that day helped the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) aims to increase the Chicago region’s tree canopy, reduce threats to trees, enhance oak ecosystems and inspire people to value trees.

On Sunday, May 23, a part of our donation was used to plant 17 new trees around an inclusive, accessible playground at Lester Elementary School in Downers Grove. This is the first 1.23 acres in our 10,000-acre commitment to protect the environment. Remaining funds from the grant will be used for future planting projects in the fall.

CRTI chose a special location for our first acre. With help from the non-profit Dream Build Play Experience, an organization dedicated to creating playgrounds that are inclusive, fun and safe for kids of all abilities, Lester Elementary School in Downers Grove opened a new inclusive playground on their grounds in August 2020. But the new playground lacked tree cover. CRTI recognized that adding almost 20 new trees to the playground would supply much-needed shade in the summer months, keep the equipment cool, create an attractive and comfortable space for children and their families to gather on hot days, and help them reach their goal of increasing the Chicago region’s tree canopy.

Approximately 40 community members and families from the school volunteered to plant the 17 new trees across the playground area. After the initial planting, families even adopted individual trees and committed to taking care of and watering them to ensure their success over the scorching summer months.

In addition to having a more beautiful, healthy and comfortable playground area, the community will also benefit from the biodiversity of the trees planted on site, including oak, cypress, elm, and sweetgum.

Learn more about Nicor Gas’ 10,000-acre initiative and our company’s commitment to protecting the environment here.