We are thrilled that Berwyn passed a new Tree Board Ordinance on October 28, 2025!
A reconstituted and functioning Tree Board is something BTCI has been looking into since at least 2022 as a way to help ensure progress on the Urban Forestry Management Plan which City Council adopted in that year.
Finally, the new Tree Board Ordinance is in place! It was the culmination of a lot of work and research by the Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative, discussions with community members, and positive and productive conversations with all the current—as well as some previous—members of City Council. We are especially grateful to Alderman Pabon, who was engaged throughout the process and set up our meeting with the Mayor, which led to finalizing the ordinance.
The Tree Board is needed to help Berwyn’s urban forest at a time when a combination of unique circumstances have reduced our urban forest and will continue to place many stresses on it for the foreseeable future.
A healthy urban forest improves air quality and helps reduce flooding. Trees strengthen property values, support public safety, and help make our community cooler in the summer and our homes more energy efficient in the winter. Trees enhance the beauty of our City. Trees make Berwyn a better place to live or visit, for everyone.
The Tree Board will help the City to best manage and keep what we now have and offer plans to improve our tree canopy citywide, while educating residents to the many benefits trees offer to all the residents of Berwyn.
Special thanks go to Mayor Lovero who met with members of our group, along with Public Works Director John Marchand and Forester Nick Peterson, to hear our concerns and help finalize the Ordinance. And of course, we thank the Berwyn City Council for passing it.
We look forward to seeing the Tree Board seated and beginning its important work.
Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative | Berwyn, Illinois 