Wednesday, September 20, 2023  |   View in browser

City Receives $802,500 Grant to Enhance Urban Forest Health in Channel-Side Parks

This Urban and Community Forestry Grant is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Agency

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston has been awarded an $802,500 Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Agency to support a comprehensive project aimed at improving the health and sustainability of the urban forest in Evanston's channel-side parks. This funding will cover a period of five years and will not require any additional financial commitment from the City beyond its regular operations. 

The project encompasses several parks and areas within Evanston, including Twiggs Park, Butler Park, Beck Park, Harbert Park, and the Ladd Arboretum, spanning from Green Bay Road to Emerson Street. The project's proposed scope of work includes: 

• Hazardous Tree Removal: Assessment and removal of hazardous trees to improve public safety and reduce potential risks.

• Tree Pruning: Comprehensive pruning of remaining trees to promote their health and longevity.

• Buckthorn Removal: Eradication of invasive buckthorn, which threatens native species.

• Tree and Shrub Planting: Planting trees and shrubs to restore the urban forest.

Several community outreach activities will take place as a part of this project, including tree plantings, tree giveaways for private property, and updated outreach materials.  

Evanston is committed to creating a more resilient and vibrant urban environment by investing in the health of its urban forest and engaging the community in these efforts. This grant provides a significant boost to these initiatives.

For more information about the grant, visit the USDA Forest Service website or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.

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Media Contact: Jessie Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041