Title
Conservation@Home Program - Chicago Region Trees Initiative
History
The Village has been contacted by the Cook County Foret Preserve regarding the Conservation@Home program and their effort with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative. Conservation@Home offers free on-site appointments with property owners who wish to pursue native plantings and raingardens as a part of their home landscaping; a program they have offered since 2016.
Chicago Region Tree Initiative reached out to Conservation@Home requesting that they partner to add a focus on planting and preservation of the region’s oak trees, primarily because more than 70% of the region’s native oak trees are on privately owned property. Chicago Region Tree Initiative is presently focused in and around Orland Park because the bulk of the public land containing the remaining 30% of the regional oak stock, as well as their current preservation efforts, are focused in the Palos Preserves. This initiative, and the two groups supporting it, have also obtained the backing of the Morton Arboretum, the Cook County Forest Preserve District, University of Illinois Extension, and the USDA Forest Service.
Conservation@Home is requesting to include the Village logo and Mayor Pekau’s signature on the attached letter as a way to let homeowners know that the Village is aware of, and supports, the effort. A draft of this letter is attached to this agenda item.
Financial Impact
Conservation@Home and the Chicago Region Tree Initiative will bear 100% of the time and cost associated with this effort.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to authorize supporting Conservation@Home and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative by authorizing the attached letter be distributed to property owners within the Village of Orland Park.