Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed the city's commitment to investing in neglected communities, stating, "The tens of thousands of trees that we are planting on the South and West Sides are making our neighborhoods healthier, more climate-resilient, and even more beautiful than they already are."

Christine O'Reilly, White Sox vice president of community relations, highlighted the organization's dedication to improving Chicago, stating, "Green space is vital to health and wellness, and we are proud to lend our voice to such an important project and help promote environmental stewardship."

In recognition of the partnership, Chicago White Sox Charities donated $5,000 to The Morton Arboretum, a key partner in the Our Roots Chicago project. The donation will support efforts to expand and grow the tree canopy in priority areas throughout Chicago.

Jill Koski, president and CEO of The Morton Arboretum, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "The City's Tree Ambassador Program is contributing to a healthier, more diverse and more equitable urban forest by engaging and equipping community groups to plant and care for trees in their neighborhoods."

Grace Chan McKibben, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC), highlighted the success of engaging with the community to promote the benefits of tree planting, stating, "We are excited to be part of the City-wide effort to make our City greener and healthier."

Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner Angela Tovar emphasized the importance of community involvement in creating green infrastructure, stating, "We are excited to expand the collaborative effort to create a more equitable and greener city."

CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo "Simbo" Ige, MD, MPH, highlighted the impact of tree canopy on urban populations, stating, "Through Our Roots Chicago, community members and city departments and agencies are coming together to improve the health and overall wellbeing of all Chicagoans, especially those in priority areas."

The Department of Streets and Sanitation is currently managing spring tree planting, allowing Chicago residents to request a free tree to be planted on the parkway in front of their homes through the CHI311 app or by calling 311.

The initiative, Our Roots Chicago, aims to plant 75,000 trees by 2026 in historically underserved neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover, focusing on environmental justice and health equity. The collaboration between the City of Chicago and the Chicago White Sox exemplifies a shared commitment to improving the city's green spaces and overall quality of life.