ST. LOUIS–The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and Lansdowne UP received grants from the Morton Arboretum to expand the tree canopy by planting trees.

Combined, over $700,000 will go to the Metro East nonprofits so the Foundation can plant 1,000 trees over the next three years. Lansdowne UP will plant 300 trees.

Arboretum President Jill Koski says improving the tree canopy increases property values, reduces energy costs and provides positive environmental and health effects. To learn more about trees benefitting everyone, click here.

The Arboretum awarded $7.9 million to 39 places in Illinois to advance urban and community forestry projects between 2024-2025. Funds for the Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. They received 61 applications requesting $15.3 million in total.

“These forestry projects in communities across Illinois – will boost green infrastructure and benefit residents for generations to come,” Koski said. “The improved canopy in these areas will also provide an economic boost over time—increased property values, improved shopping districts, reductions in energy costs and stormwater capture. The many urban forestry training and workforce development programs to be implemented through this funding are also essential.”

More information on the Arboretum can be found at their website by clicking here.