The DeKalb Park District is proud to announce that it has been awarded $13,120 through the 2024-2026 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. This funding, provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at The Morton Arboretum, will support vital urban forestry initiatives within the District.

As a 50/50 matching grant program, the DeKalb Park District will partner with Great Lakes Urban Forestry to update its GIS Tree Inventory and develop a comprehensive Urban Forestry Management Plan. This initiative will enhance the District’s ability to maintain and grow a healthy urban tree canopy, improving environmental sustainability and community well-being.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will allow us to take a data-driven approach to tree management in our parks,” said Mat Emken, Superintendent of Parks & Development of the DeKalb Park District. “With the support of Great Lakes Urban Forestry, we can better assess our tree population, plan for future growth, and ensure a resilient and thriving urban forest for generations to come.”

The project aligns with the District’s commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing green spaces, and promoting sustainable urban forests for the DeKalb community.

For more information about the DeKalb Park District and its forestry initiatives, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com or contact Superintendent of Parks & Development Mat Emken at memken@dekalbparkdistrict.com or (815) 756-9939.