Urban forests

  • Regional forestry dataset

    The data collected on the urban forest in the Chicago region is the most extensive regional dataset on urban forestry in the country.  The combination of spatial, on-the-ground, and operations capacity data provides a broad foundation for education and outreach across the seven county Chicago region. 

  • The landscape below ground

    We would not expect a palm tree to grow in Chicago, or an upland oak tree to grow in a swamp.  Urban environments, especially below ground, can be just as foreign to any tree and must be managed to provide the basic requirements needed for good root growth.

  • The Tollway Trees Initiative: From right tree, right site to right soil, right tree

    The number of species that can tolerate poor-quality of roadside soils is limited. Can we increase the diversity of trees that can thrive in this harsh environment and the ecosystem services provided by urban trees by matching soil amendments with tree traits?