This grant is for residents of Chicago and south suburbs of Cook County who would like to facilitate a community tree planting day with their neighbors. By engaging neighbors, local businesses, and organizations, the applicant will identify locations for up to 40 trees to be planted, as well as volunteers interested in planting them. Openlands will provide assistance throughout this process.

Planting locations must be in the Chicago region, walking distance from each other, and on public land. Public land is considered to be the parkways between the curb and the sidewalk in front of residential houses, community gardens, natural areas, public parks, most school property, and some vacant lots. We will no longer accept proposals that are solely for planting in Chicago Parks.  

To learn more about the program please visit www.openlands.org/trees/treeplanters-grants/

Assist in gathering neighbors and other volunteers for the planting day;
Ensure a representative from each residence is present on planting day if trees are being planted on the parkways in front of homes;
Water the new trees for three years after planting go to enure tree survival and establishment.

Facilitate a site visit prior to planting;
Facilitate the community tree planting day;
Assist with annual community maintenance events for the following two years;
Provide all tools, trees, and mulch.