2010 Tree Census
Every tree counts toward a greener, healthier, more beautiful world!
That's why The Morton Arboretum is conducting a 2010 Tree Census in the seven-county Chicago region, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. The Tree Census is well underway! See a map of our progress as of August 1, 2010.When: May through October 2010
What: Measure the urban and community forest and its value to communities
Results: Due out winter 2010-2011
Project Goals
- Determine the scope, character, and condition of the urban forest.
- Evaluate the vitality of the urban tree canopy.
- Set realistic future goals to increase the canopy.
- Establish a baseline to measure future progress towards our mission.
- Measure and quantify the ecosystem services derived from the urban forest.
Phase I: Count Trees
This summer, teams from The Morton Arboretum are looking at all kinds of land—residential, commercial, public, and private—regardless of how many trees grow there. We want to learn how much of our land is covered by the urban forest canopy. Arboretum field assistants are studying 1,400 randomly selected plots in Cook, Du Page, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties to learn:
- How many trees live in our communities
- The sizes and kinds of trees we have
- Information about the landscape and man-made features on the plot
View pdf about how we identify plots and collect data.
What Happens if a Sample Plot Falls on Your Property To get accurate data, authorized 2010 Tree Census staff will need access to private properties or behind fences. The census sample plots are randomly selected and may overlap more than one property.
If a sample plot falls on your property, Tree Census staff will request your permission to gain access for purposes of the census. You will recognize authorized staff by The Morton Arboretum 2010 Tree Census uniforms, badges, and vehicles.
Phase 2: Crunch the Numbers
The data will be analyzed using a tool developed by the U.S. Forest Service. The results will give insight about the environmental functions that the urban forest performs, as well as its overall value. We'll learn:- How much pollution the urban forest removes from our air
- How much carbon it stores and sequesters
- How it impacts our energy consumption
Phase 3: Use Results to Help Trees and People
Just as the U.S. Census counts people to help us make decisions about community needs, the 2010 Tree Census results will help guide decisions about caring for the urban forest. - Develop a regional urban forest strategy that maximizes benefits for enhanced quality of life.
- Justify further investment, protection, and consideration of the urban forest.
- Serve as a foundation for urban forest management decisions.
- Create greater awareness of the breadth, diversity and scope of the urban forest as a connected canopy of trees.