The Village of Oswego was awarded a $25,000 grant to complete a tree inventory to develop a comprehensive management plan for its urban forest.

Funding for this project was provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The funds were administered by The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).

“We are honored to receive this grant which will help guide Oswego’s urban forestry efforts,” said Village President Ryan Kauffman. “This funding not only supports the health and beauty of our community but also underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship. By investing in our urban forest, we are investing in a greener, healthier future for our village and planet.

The grant provides Oswego with a better understanding of its urban forest area management by revealing an estimated number of trees, their size, condition and species. The inventory also identifies opportunities to increase planting and will be used to inform the development of a comprehensive, long-term urban forest management plan.

“Urban trees are critical infrastructure for a community, and this funding helps to protect one of its most important resources,” said Lydia Scott, director of CRTI. “Trees clean our air and water, reduce flooding and heat, improve our mental and physical health, and provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.” 

The inventory of all Village-owned trees was completed in February 2024, and the Village adopted the Urban Forestry Management Plan in June 2024.