The partnership will involve developing a landscape master plan for trees, shrubs and native plantings on tollway property, the agency says. Officials are analyzing the system for potential planting areas, emphasizing areas where trees can be “established and tree canopy coverage expanded.”
“We know that the roads the Illinois Tollway builds and operates are critical to transporting the goods, services and workforce that support and grow our region’s economy,” says Illinois Tollway Board of Directors Chairman Bob Schillerstrom. “We’re announcing our support for the growth of natural resources throughout the 12 counties we serve, by setting a goal to plant 58,000 trees.”
The tollway expects to plant roughly 3,000 trees and 6,000 shrubs this year as part of the program. It will work with the arboretum to develop a form plan based off the master plan developed.
“The Morton Arboretum welcomes the opportunity to be part of this innovative effort and provide expertise in tree science and conservation to establish and maintain a healthy urban forest along the Illinois Tollway system,” says Gerry Donnelly, president and CEO of the arboretum. “Planting more trees throughout the Tollway system offsets impacts of road development and use, creates a community asset, and adds greatly to the quality of the environment.”
