The City of Warrenville received a $19,000 grant to replace trees on public property that were lost due to the emerald ash borer, an invasive pest that caused widespread tree damage.
The funding for this project came from the Urban and Community Forestry Programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region, administered by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).
“This grant allowed the City to increase the number of parkway trees planted in 2024 and 2025,” said Public Works Director Phil Kuchler.
Over the two-year grant period, the City planted 280 new parkway trees, adding a greater diversity of tree species to public areas. The project also supports improvements to the City’s tree preservation ordinance, further protecting mature trees.
“Emerald ash borer prevention and mitigation will help strengthen the health of our urban forests,” said CRTI Interim Director Melissa Custic. “From stormwater management to improved air quality, trees benefit us all. Projects like this are imperative to support urban forests.”
This grant program is part of ongoing efforts to create healthier, more resilient urban forests for communities throughout Illinois.