1. CRTI slides The following slides provide an introduction to the Chicago Region Trees Initiative. Included are helpful notes in the notes section. If you have questions about any of the content on the slides, please contact Melissa at mcustic@mortonarb.org

2. Knowledge to Action

3. We need your help to make CRTI happen!

4. Urban Forest Under Threat 30% of the trees in our regional forest are invasive species 13 million trees are dying from – emerald ash borer – and invasive species 10 species account for 60% of the tree population - low species diversity Few middle-aged trees - low age diversity Low species diversity and stock available from nurseries Based on results from the 2010 Urban Trees and Forests of the Chicago Region

5. " Improve Our Regional Forest Chicago Region Trees Initiative Collaborative effort for a healthier urban forest by 2040 Regional action - 7 counties Diverse tree species and ages Appropriate distribution across land use types Improved environmental, economic, social and health benefits

6. Goals for the Urban Forest Engage everyone in the effort to learn about, help, and improve the urban forest where they live, work, and play. Source: blog.posterjack.ca Chicago Region Trees Initiative crti@mortonarb.org

7. Goals for the Urban Forest Improved tree care and management = longer lived trees = improved quality of life. Chicago Region Trees Initiative crti@mortonarb.org  Forest Composition Analysis  Operational Capacity Analysis  Openlands TreeKeepers  The Conservation Foundation’s Conservation@Home  Non Professional Training  Community Tree Network - Peer to Peer  Risk Assessment and Management  Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan Implementation  Partner Tree Planting  Urban Forest Management Plans  Ordinances Initiatives and Programs

8. Goals for the Urban Forest Increased species diversity, improved supply and demand, and local seed sources.  Species List and Selection Tool  Native, Locally Sourced  Funding for Nurseries and Communities  Contract Growing Training  Propagation Training  Forest Composition Analysis  Partner Tree Planting  Tree planting - Lake Michigan Watershed  Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan Implementation Chicago Region Trees Initiative crti@mortonarb.org Initiatives and Programs

9. Goals for the Urban Forest Protect trees – improve local, regional, and state policies  Ordinance Development and Writing  Urban Forest Management Plans  Oak Ecosystem Recovery Project Implementation  Openlands TreeKeepers  The Conservation Foundation’s Conservation@Home  OAKtober- Oak Awareness Month  CMAP GoTo 2050  Forest Composition Analysis http://www.ilstatehouse.com/images/t_farmer.jpg Chicago Region Trees Initiative crti@mortonarb.org Initiatives and Programs

10. Join a work group Contribute an inventory to the forest composition project Learn about trees - register for a workshop Participate in the Community Tree Network Plan an event for OAKtober Follow us on Twitter (@ChicagoRTI) Share what you know Plant and care for a tree Engage others Advocate for trees where you live, work and play Contact: Melissa Custic, CRTI@mortonarb.org Goals for the Urban Forest

11. We need your help to make CRTI happen! Contact: mcustic@mortonarb.orgmcustic@mortonarb.org ChicagoRTI.org