On Wednesday, May 22, Latinos Progresando joined community leaders and Marshall Square neighbors to celebrate the planting of more than 100 new trees along Cermak Road, and California and Kedzie Avenues with a ceremonial mulching. This effort, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is an extension of Latinos Progresando’s ongoing work to improve community access to green spaces while addressing issues around air quality. The value of green spaces in urban areas cannot be understated, as trees and vegetation help soak up excess water from heavy rain, support cleaner air and keep temperatures cool to reduce heat island effect. TNC’s Chicago and Cook County Greenprint identifies where nature can help address climate challenges exacerbated by historic misdirection of resources and injustices. This analysis shows the greatest climate change vulnerability on the city’s south and west sides. The new trees are part of the city’s “Our Roots Chicago” goal to plant 75,000 trees to help reduce emissions, improve air quality and expand Chicago’s tree canopy, and is the largest tree planting led by a community organization in connection with the city’s campaign. According to the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Chicago falls well below the national average of nearly 40 percent of tree canopy cover. The city’s tree canopy cover is estimated at 23 percent, with the South Lawndale Community Area measuring at 15 percent, much lower than the city average.

Photo Credit: Latinos Progresando