The MWRD's Restore the Canopy initiative empowers the residents of Cook County with an opportunity to restore the region’s depleted tree canopy. The tree population has been decimated by emerald ash borer infestations and extreme weather. Not only do trees provide a beautiful green canopy for communities, they are a powerful and effective form of green infrastructure. A medium-sized oak tree can help prevent flooding by absorbing 2,800 gallons of rainfall per year. Restore the Canopy provides four types of native trees (black oak, pin oak, red oak, and white oak) for free to Cook County residents, community groups, and schools. Please note that the availability of each sapling may vary depending on supply.
Tree Pickup Days
Pick up your free saplings on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon (April - October) at the following MWRD water reclamation plants (WRPs):
- Calumet WRP • 400 East 130th St., Chicago
- Egan WRP • 550 South Meacham Rd., Schaumburg
- Hanover Park WRP • 1220 Sycamore Ave., Hanover Park
- Kirie WRP • 701 West Oakton St., Des Plaines
- O’Brien WRP • 3500 Howard St., Skokie
- Stickney WRP • 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero
Click here to download the brochure.
Click here for more information.