Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
@berwyntrees.org
We are an independent community group working to expand and improve the tree canopy in Berwyn, Illinois.
https://berwyntrees.org
https://berwyntrees.org
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
“The number one thing you can do from an entomologist’s perspective is plant an oak tree and leave the leaves that fall off the oak tree.”
#gardening #trees #biodiversity #LeaveTheLeaves
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/r...
#gardening #trees #biodiversity #LeaveTheLeaves
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/r...
Why Leaving the Leaves Is Better for Your Yard
www.nytimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
“The number one thing you can do from an entomologist’s perspective is plant an oak tree and leave the leaves that fall off the oak tree.”
#gardening #trees #biodiversity #LeaveTheLeaves
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/r...
#gardening #trees #biodiversity #LeaveTheLeaves
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/r...
Beyond just trees: “Green infrastructure, like native gardens, pathways, and soil systems, absorbs rainwater where it falls. Instead of overwhelming the sewers, water sinks into the ground, nourishing plants. And those plants can be beautiful, too.” chicagoreader.com/city-life/gr...
Beneath the surface - Chicago Reader
After a storm, Chicago streets transform. Water rushes through alleys and basements begin to seep. The sewers can’t drink it all, so if the water doesn’t back up into basements, it spills into the riv...
chicagoreader.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Beyond just trees: “Green infrastructure, like native gardens, pathways, and soil systems, absorbs rainwater where it falls. Instead of overwhelming the sewers, water sinks into the ground, nourishing plants. And those plants can be beautiful, too.” chicagoreader.com/city-life/gr...
“It’s a tiny space, no bigger than a couple shipping containers really. But standing there, the midsummer heat recedes. So does the roar of nearby airplanes and the fishy stench of the market next door.” www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/c...
In New Jersey, Benefits Bloom in Tiny Forests
www.nytimes.com
September 15, 2025 at 6:09 PM
“It’s a tiny space, no bigger than a couple shipping containers really. But standing there, the midsummer heat recedes. So does the roar of nearby airplanes and the fishy stench of the market next door.” www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/c...
An 8-year-old’s thoughtful observation ended up leading to new research revealing an elaborate relationship among #ants, #wasps, and #oak #trees. A post from 2022: www.psu.edu/news/researc... #myrmecochory
Boy’s discovery reveals highly complex plant-insect interaction | Penn State University
A backyard discovery by 8-year-old Hugo Deans, son of Penn State Professor of Entomology Andrew Deans, eventually led to the revelation that oak galls — plant growth triggered by insects — are part of...
www.psu.edu
September 12, 2025 at 11:44 PM
An 8-year-old’s thoughtful observation ended up leading to new research revealing an elaborate relationship among #ants, #wasps, and #oak #trees. A post from 2022: www.psu.edu/news/researc... #myrmecochory
“Researchers at the University of Louisville have shown that living near an abundance of green vegetation can offset the negative effects of air pollution on blood vessel health.”
www.uoflnews.com/section/scie...
www.uoflnews.com/section/scie...
UofL research: Living near trees may prevent vascular damage from pollution | UofL News
Researchers at the University of Louisville have shown that living near an abundance of green vegetation can offset the negative effects of air pollution on blood vessel health. The research, led by A...
www.uoflnews.com
August 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
“Researchers at the University of Louisville have shown that living near an abundance of green vegetation can offset the negative effects of air pollution on blood vessel health.”
www.uoflnews.com/section/scie...
www.uoflnews.com/section/scie...
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
From gray to green: Across Chicago, a @healthyschoolscampaign.org program has transformed dozens of concrete schoolyards into community hubs and flooding solutions.
For @chicagotribune.com:
For @chicagotribune.com:
From gray to green: Across Chicago, dozens of concrete schoolyards transformed into community hubs and flooding solutions
Spaces transformed to address heavy rains in neighborhoods vulnerable to flooding, particularly on the South and West sides.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM
From gray to green: Across Chicago, a @healthyschoolscampaign.org program has transformed dozens of concrete schoolyards into community hubs and flooding solutions.
For @chicagotribune.com:
For @chicagotribune.com:
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
Since 2014, the Space to Grow program has turned 36 barren yards at public schools across Chicago into green community hubs; five more redesign projects are breaking ground this summer.
From gray to green: Across Chicago, dozens of concrete schoolyards transformed into community hubs and flooding solutions
Spaces transformed to address heavy rains in neighborhoods vulnerable to flooding, particularly on the South and West sides.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 12, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Since 2014, the Space to Grow program has turned 36 barren yards at public schools across Chicago into green community hubs; five more redesign projects are breaking ground this summer.
Unfortunately we still see volcano mulch. A lot.
bygl.osu.edu/index.php/no...
bygl.osu.edu/index.php/no...
August 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Unfortunately we still see volcano mulch. A lot.
bygl.osu.edu/index.php/no...
bygl.osu.edu/index.php/no...
During the Corrida del Mariachi 5k, we definitely observed that spectators were clustered around the trees along the route — in those places that offered shade.
August 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
During the Corrida del Mariachi 5k, we definitely observed that spectators were clustered around the trees along the route — in those places that offered shade.
We are out here at the Corrida del Mariachi vendor row on Wesley Avenue between 16th and 18th Streets, Berwyn, Illinois. Come and see us! We are helping homeowners request free parkway trees from the City and getting signatures for our petition calling for proactive tree planting.
August 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
We are out here at the Corrida del Mariachi vendor row on Wesley Avenue between 16th and 18th Streets, Berwyn, Illinois. Come and see us! We are helping homeowners request free parkway trees from the City and getting signatures for our petition calling for proactive tree planting.
Notes on trees and traffic calming, lowering stress, encouraging walking and biking, and improving pavement conditions: vibrantcitieslab.com/research/tra...
Mobility Impact
Trees calm traffic, reduce stress and car accidents, encourage walking and extend the life of pavement.
vibrantcitieslab.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Notes on trees and traffic calming, lowering stress, encouraging walking and biking, and improving pavement conditions: vibrantcitieslab.com/research/tra...
“Affordability is key to successful mitigation plans for urban flooding, especially in areas where green infrastructure is often sacrificed to reduce funding burdens.” thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
Solutions to an Illinois City's Flooding Issue
Following months of research, canvassing, and listening to community needs, journalists, including Britton Struthers-Lugo, produced solutions-based stories about the challenges faced by the Berwyn, Il...
thefulcrum.us
July 1, 2025 at 11:16 PM
“Affordability is key to successful mitigation plans for urban flooding, especially in areas where green infrastructure is often sacrificed to reduce funding burdens.” thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
“Trees and vegetation … lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is a process in which trees and vegetation absorb water through their roots and evaporate it through their leaves.”
Benefits of Trees and Vegetation | US EPA
This page provide information about the co-benefits of trees and vegetation in reducing heat islands in urban environments.
www.epa.gov
June 24, 2025 at 7:46 PM
“Trees and vegetation … lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is a process in which trees and vegetation absorb water through their roots and evaporate it through their leaves.”
“Street trees are more than just beautiful additions to our urban landscapes. They are hugely beneficial to ecological, social, and economic function in cities.” fpdcc.com/the-value-an...
The Value and Management of Street Trees
The majority of Cook County is residential land. The amount of green, […]
fpdcc.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
“Street trees are more than just beautiful additions to our urban landscapes. They are hugely beneficial to ecological, social, and economic function in cities.” fpdcc.com/the-value-an...
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped yesterday morning at our planting event around St. Mary of Celle Church. We got 22 native trees and shrubs planted on the grounds, and we planted a native garden at the corner of 14th of Wesley.
June 15, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped yesterday morning at our planting event around St. Mary of Celle Church. We got 22 native trees and shrubs planted on the grounds, and we planted a native garden at the corner of 14th of Wesley.
Come help us plant!
When: This Saturday, June 14, 8:45 AM
Where: 14th & Wesley, Berwyn, IL
What: Planting a native garden including trees & shrubs
When: This Saturday, June 14, 8:45 AM
Where: 14th & Wesley, Berwyn, IL
What: Planting a native garden including trees & shrubs
June 12, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Come help us plant!
When: This Saturday, June 14, 8:45 AM
Where: 14th & Wesley, Berwyn, IL
What: Planting a native garden including trees & shrubs
When: This Saturday, June 14, 8:45 AM
Where: 14th & Wesley, Berwyn, IL
What: Planting a native garden including trees & shrubs
“‘It took me almost two years to get funding for the tree planting, but in many cases, my buddy tree got the conversations going to make it happen,’ [Tristan Shaw] says.
‘If we want all the health benefits nature brings us, we have to take care of it.’”
vitalsigns.edf.org/story/stress...
‘If we want all the health benefits nature brings us, we have to take care of it.’”
vitalsigns.edf.org/story/stress...
In stressful times, nature can help
Research from around the world confirms: Connecting with nature is good for your mental health.
vitalsigns.edf.org
May 27, 2025 at 5:08 PM
“‘It took me almost two years to get funding for the tree planting, but in many cases, my buddy tree got the conversations going to make it happen,’ [Tristan Shaw] says.
‘If we want all the health benefits nature brings us, we have to take care of it.’”
vitalsigns.edf.org/story/stress...
‘If we want all the health benefits nature brings us, we have to take care of it.’”
vitalsigns.edf.org/story/stress...
Berwyn, Illinois Pedestrian Challenges Survey / Encuestas Sobre Desafios de los Peatones
Encuesta de Participación Pública: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R8QWQV?la...
Public Engagement Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BerwynADAS...
More / más: engage.cmap.illinois.gov/engage-cmap-...
Encuesta de Participación Pública: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R8QWQV?la...
Public Engagement Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BerwynADAS...
More / más: engage.cmap.illinois.gov/engage-cmap-...
Berwyn's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks
Welcome to the City of Berwyn Accessibility Improvements Engagement Platform. The goal is to improve safety and accessibility for everyone who uses our sidewalks, including people with disabilities, a...
engage.cmap.illinois.gov
May 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Berwyn, Illinois Pedestrian Challenges Survey / Encuestas Sobre Desafios de los Peatones
Encuesta de Participación Pública: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R8QWQV?la...
Public Engagement Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BerwynADAS...
More / más: engage.cmap.illinois.gov/engage-cmap-...
Encuesta de Participación Pública: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R8QWQV?la...
Public Engagement Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BerwynADAS...
More / más: engage.cmap.illinois.gov/engage-cmap-...
Weloveberwyn.org is a new website. Among other resources, it includes a calendar of events happening in Berwyn and a directory of Berwyn community groups and organizations. Check it and spread the word! The more people know about it, the more comprehensive and useful it can be. #weloveberwyn
We Love Berwyn
Photo Credit: Adam Peoples
Weloveberwyn.org
May 6, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Weloveberwyn.org is a new website. Among other resources, it includes a calendar of events happening in Berwyn and a directory of Berwyn community groups and organizations. Check it and spread the word! The more people know about it, the more comprehensive and useful it can be. #weloveberwyn
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
📷 Sweet crabapple trees in bloom at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, Illinois, on April 22, 2025.
💧 Learn how you can use native landscaping to help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife ⬇️
mwrd.org/community-ac...
💧 Learn how you can use native landscaping to help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife ⬇️
mwrd.org/community-ac...
May 2, 2025 at 1:39 PM
📷 Sweet crabapple trees in bloom at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, Illinois, on April 22, 2025.
💧 Learn how you can use native landscaping to help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife ⬇️
mwrd.org/community-ac...
💧 Learn how you can use native landscaping to help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife ⬇️
mwrd.org/community-ac...
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
From a towering 120-foot-tall black oak to a 20-foot redbud, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County has mapped the largest specimen of each tree species identified in the preserves and has made it easier for people to find these “champions.”
The Cubs and Bulls Have Nothing on These Champs. Check Out Cook County’s MVP Trees
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County has mapped the largest specimen of each tree species identified in the preserves and has made it easier for people to find these “champions.”
news.wttw.com
April 28, 2025 at 4:40 PM
From a towering 120-foot-tall black oak to a 20-foot redbud, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County has mapped the largest specimen of each tree species identified in the preserves and has made it easier for people to find these “champions.”
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
Free oak tree saplings! 🌱 Pick up yours every Wednesday from April–October, 9 AM–Noon, at MWRD water reclamation plants. Help restore our canopy & support clean water! 🌧️💧
🌳 Details:
mwrd.org/community-ac... 🌎
#MWRD #CookCounty #RestoreTheCanopy #OakTrees
🌳 Details:
mwrd.org/community-ac... 🌎
#MWRD #CookCounty #RestoreTheCanopy #OakTrees
April 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Free oak tree saplings! 🌱 Pick up yours every Wednesday from April–October, 9 AM–Noon, at MWRD water reclamation plants. Help restore our canopy & support clean water! 🌧️💧
🌳 Details:
mwrd.org/community-ac... 🌎
#MWRD #CookCounty #RestoreTheCanopy #OakTrees
🌳 Details:
mwrd.org/community-ac... 🌎
#MWRD #CookCounty #RestoreTheCanopy #OakTrees
The Forest Preserves of Cook County has a Champion Tree Register 🌳 with an interactive map: fpdcc.com/nature/champ...
Champion Tree Register
As you explore the Forest Preserves of Cook County, keep an eye […]
fpdcc.com
April 28, 2025 at 11:04 PM
The Forest Preserves of Cook County has a Champion Tree Register 🌳 with an interactive map: fpdcc.com/nature/champ...
Happy #ArborDay!
There was a great little Arbor Day celebratory tree planting this morning in Berwyn, Illinois with the City Public Works Department, Berwyn Township, and enthusiastic kids from Hiawatha School with great questions for the city arborist Nicholas Peterson.
There was a great little Arbor Day celebratory tree planting this morning in Berwyn, Illinois with the City Public Works Department, Berwyn Township, and enthusiastic kids from Hiawatha School with great questions for the city arborist Nicholas Peterson.
April 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Happy #ArborDay!
There was a great little Arbor Day celebratory tree planting this morning in Berwyn, Illinois with the City Public Works Department, Berwyn Township, and enthusiastic kids from Hiawatha School with great questions for the city arborist Nicholas Peterson.
There was a great little Arbor Day celebratory tree planting this morning in Berwyn, Illinois with the City Public Works Department, Berwyn Township, and enthusiastic kids from Hiawatha School with great questions for the city arborist Nicholas Peterson.
Reposted by Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative
This #ArborDay, a reminder that trees aren't just important for the environment.
Tree loss can create the conditions for humans and virus-infected animals to collide — meaning the next deadly pandemic is just a forest clearing away.
Tree loss can create the conditions for humans and virus-infected animals to collide — meaning the next deadly pandemic is just a forest clearing away.
The Next Deadly Pandemic Is Just a Forest Clearing Away
The next deadly pandemic is just a forest clearing away. But we’re not even trying to prevent it.
www.propublica.org
April 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM
This #ArborDay, a reminder that trees aren't just important for the environment.
Tree loss can create the conditions for humans and virus-infected animals to collide — meaning the next deadly pandemic is just a forest clearing away.
Tree loss can create the conditions for humans and virus-infected animals to collide — meaning the next deadly pandemic is just a forest clearing away.