Tree Program | NEW WE-GOPARKS.ORG

ARBORETUM AND TREE PROGRAM

The West Chicago Park District was established in 1972 and since has been committed to creating an enhanced quality of life through effective programs, progressive facilities and preservation of parks and natural resources. The District has over 400 acres of parks, woodlands, trails and gardens. In 2018 the Park District took a new stance on tree management by completing a tree inventory and report; this launched the initiative to become an accredited Level II Arboretum. Research efforts revealed a 2,394 tree population of 106 different species in managed areas alone. Notably, Reed-Keppler Park is home to a community center, water park, artistic gardens, dog parks and band shell among many other amenities. The 100-acre park has the largest tree population in the Park District with 1056 trees of 134 distinct species and a recognizable 625 tree remnant oak stand. In 2024, the Park District renewed its Level II Accreditation, which will be in effect through 2029.

REFORESTATION PROGRAM INITIATIVE & ARBORETUM INITIATIVE

Trees must be purchased through the District and can be done so at any time throughout the year. However, the trees will only be planted in the spring and fall of each calendar year. After installation, donators will receive a certificate and will be notified of the exact location of their specific tree. Donations are received in increments of $240. Once a tree has been planted, it will be added to the West Chicago Park District's virtual tree tour, along with the donator's name.

Please fill out a Tree Donation form located below and return to: West Chicago Park District, 201 W. National Street, West Chicago, IL 60185 or dspence@we-goparks.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Parks Recreation Department makes the final determination as to where trees are placed within the park system. The West Chicago Park District is not responsible for damage to the donation as a result of weather or vandalism. The West Chicago Park District does not guarantee the lifespan of a tree donation past the 1-year warranty period. The West Chicago Park District will remove diseased and non-living trees at their discretion.

The Park District uses an interactive web-based application through ArcGIS where visitors can explore the parks and find out information about the trees around them including species, height, diameter, crown spread and condition among other details.

General Park Rules

Download

View Tree Program Donation Form

Virtual Tree Tour

Reed Keppler Park

Reed-Keppler Park

Virtual Tree Tour

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TREES FOREVER: RECOVER, REPLANT, RESTORE!

West Chicago Park District Partners with Trees Forever to Plant 30 Trees in West Chicago.

In 2024-2025, the West Chicago Park District, with the support of a grant from Trees Forever, will enhance three local parks—Cornerstone Lakes Park, Meadow Wood Park, and Dyer Riverwoods Park—by planting 12 new tree species, including Autumn Blaze Maple, Burr Oak, and Hornbeam.

This initiative, focused on increasing tree diversity and improving ecosystem health, will also beautify public spaces. Volunteers, including community leaders, will play a key role in the project, participating in a family-friendly event with tree planting, arts, crafts, and storytelling. This Trees Forever-funded effort will help foster a vibrant, inclusive community, and a healthier urban forest for generations to come.

Plant Trees With Us! Volunteer Planting Event

When: May 2, 2025 at 9:00AM-10:00AM

Where: Cornerstone Lakes Park, West Chicago

Supplies and trees will be provided! All ages are welcome. Date is subject to change depending on the weather and availability of trees. To sign up, email us at info@we-goparks.org.

View Press Release

View Info Flyers

Tree Equity Grant for Disadvantaged Communities

As part of the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the West Chicago Park District has been awarded a grant to go toward tree planting, invasive removal, pruning, staff training, a forest management plan, and an updated tree preservation ordinance in West Chicago. This funding will allow Park District staff to plant 210 trees from 2025-2028, increasing tree canopy and improving tree diversity in the community. This is a huge initative towards conservation and tree maintance, helping create beautiful parks and natural areas for everyone to enjoy.

What Will This Grant Support?

Tree Planting: 210 new trees from 2025-2028 to help grow our tree canopy and improve tree diversity across West Chicago.
Invasive Species Removal & Pruning: Protecting and maintaining healthy trees for the future.
Staff Training & Forest Management: Our team will receive expert training to ensure the ongoing care of our trees.
Updated Tree Preservation Ordinance: Strengthening protections for trees in our community.
A Comprehensive Forest Management Plan: Developing strategies for long-term tree health and sustainability.

Why Does This Matter?

This is a huge step toward conservation, improving air quality, enhancing green spaces, and creating beautiful parks and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. Our goal is to not only increase the number of trees but also create a diverse and sustainable environment for future generations.

Get Involved!

A big part of this project is community outreach and engagement, so we’d love to hear your thoughts and have you involved. Throughout the year, we’ll have several informational sessions as well as practical, hands-on learning experiences related to pruning, removing inasives, and planting trees. For any questions, please reach out to info@wegoparks.org.

Let’s work together to make West Chicago greener and more vibrant than ever! Parks include Reed-Keppler Park, Kress Creek Farms Park, Clayton St. Park, Pioneer Park, Don Earley Park, Prince Crossing Park, and Kwasman Memorial Park. Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. The USDA and The Morton Arboretum are equal opportunity providers and employers.