About

We are an independent community group working to increase the size and health of the tree canopy in Berwyn, Illinois.

Groyup photo of volunteers at the BTCI 2022 Openland TreePlanters Grant planting day.

Objectives

  • Increase the number of trees planted in Berwyn
  • Increase funding for tree planting and maintenance
  • Call for the City to create and adhere to a transparent city-wide plan to increase the tree canopy and improve tree care in Berwyn, in accordance with the the City’s Tree Ordinance and Urban Forestry Management Plan.

In addition, we have ongoing communication with residents and Public Works related to tree numbers, tree maintenance, and care.

2024: By the Numbers

BTCI achieved a lot in 2024! Here are the highlights of what we were up to last year…

11 monthly BTCI strategy meetings

Met with Berwyn leaders to get $75,000 tree planting resolution up for a vote at the Berywn Township annual meeting in April, and approved by City Council in October

Promoted trees at 12 community outreach events

Gathered over 400 petition signatures, requesting pro-active tree planting

Collaborated on ideas and provided letter of support for Tree Equity Grant funded by the USDA Forest Service – Berwyn was approved for a $28,000 grant

Canvassed the Ebeneezer Church neighborhood 3 times to secure TreePlanters Grant participants

Planted 30 trees with the Openlands TreePlanters grant we were approved for

Co-sponsored with Morton Arboretum, the Berwyn Park District planting of 50 trees

Attended 5 tree advocacy meetings and events, including Arbor Day

2023 Highlights

► Our efforts led to Berwyn’s posting a tree request form and tree inventory data on its website. > City forestry webpage

► This year we made seven statements at Berwyn City Council and Committee Meetings, where we spoke out about planting more trees, taking better care of our trees, and funding those initiatives. Our members also attended seven different civic and aldermanic meetings, working to educate and communicate with government officials.

► This was the second year we applied for and received an Openlands TreePlanters Grant. We knocked on doors around St. Mary of Celle church in North Berwyn, and planted 44 trees in the city parkways.

► We celebrated the Morton Arboretum’s Oaktober by coordinating planting 50 trees, donated by the Arboretum, in the Berwyn Park District.

► Reached out with educational materials at three community events – Juneteenth, the Corrida del Mariachi 5K, and Hispanic Heritage Day. We also marched in two parades and sponsored a T-ball league!

► We created and distributed ‘How to Plant a Tree‘ information sheets, and more “Plant More Trees/Planta Mas Arboles” flyers and signs.

2022 Highlights

► We made nine statements at Berwyn City Council and Committee Meetings in support of increasing the tree planting budget, adhering to the City’s Urban Forestry Management Plan, and following through with steps toward quality tree care.

► We applied for and received an Openlands TreePlanters Grant. After canvassing Elmwood, Ridgeland, and Cuyler Avenues between Roosevelt and 16th Street for participants, we recruited volunteers and planted 35 trees in the city parkways.

► We created a Facebook page and website

► We led two Arbor Week neighborhood tree walks and shared educational materials at tables for Arbor Week, Juneteenth, and the Monarch Festival in Proksa Park. We also marched in the first Berwyn Hispanic Heritage Month Parade.

► We created and distributed 500 educational “Plant More Trees/Planta Mas Arboles” flyers.

History

Berwyn residents Zach Taylor and Beth Gunzel founded BTCI in July of 2021 as a community-led project to increase the City of Berwyn’s native tree canopy and educate residents about the role of our tree canopy. Since then, more residents have joined the group and worked together toward these goals.

Join Us!