Peoria Standard

Openlands, in collaboration with various partners including the US Forest Service Department of Agriculture and Waukegan Public Works, has announced a new initiative aimed at assisting eligible Waukegan residents in enhancing their yards with native landscaping trees and bushes. The program, called Help Grow Waukegan, will provide up to three large plants and a $100 gift card for each eligible resident.

To be eligible for this program, residents must have a job in landscaping, yard work, and/or tree trimming, and they or their landlords must agree to care for the plants. Once approved, residents will have the opportunity to choose from a list of 15-gallon trees ranging from 6 to 8 feet in height, as well as 5-gallon bushes ranging from 2 to 4 feet. In addition to the plants, participants will also receive personalized support from Openlands' landscape ecologist and certified arborist, ensuring that they have the necessary guidance to properly care for their new additions.

The Help Grow Waukegan program also includes a $100 gift card per plant, with a maximum limit of $300 per resident. This financial support aims to assist residents in covering any additional costs associated with the planting and maintenance of the trees and bushes. Moreover, each participant will receive a cool watering bucket, further facilitating the care and well-being of their new plants.

For those interested in learning more about the Help Grow Waukegan program, further information can be found on the Openlands website. Additionally, any questions or inquiries can be directed to the email address freetrees@openlands.org or by calling 312-863-6263.

This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of several organizations, including the US Forest Service Department of Agriculture, the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, The Morton Arboretum, the City, and Waukegan Public Works. Their joint efforts aim to provide Waukegan residents with the opportunity to enhance the greenery and natural beauty of their surroundings, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

The Help Grow Waukegan program not only benefits the residents of Waukegan by providing them with free trees and bushes, but it also contributes to a larger ecological goal of increasing green spaces within the city. By planting native trees and bushes, residents can help improve air quality, provide habitat for local wildlife, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Openlands' commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable Waukegan is evident in their efforts to provide personalized support and resources to participants. Through the Help Grow Waukegan program, eligible residents have the opportunity to contribute to the overall well-being of their community and create a more vibrant and environmentally friendly city.

So, if you are a Waukegan resident with a job in landscaping, yard work, or tree trimming, don't miss out on this unique opportunity to receive free trees and bushes for your yard. Contact Openlands today and take the first step towards a greener future for Waukegan.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.waukeganil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=341