The 250-acre UIC campus contains approximately 3,700 trees representing 56 groupings and 109 different species. It has been designated a Level II arboretum and recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation with Tree Campus Higher Education status every year since 2011.
As part of its climate commitment to become a become a biodiverse university and in accordance with the goals in its Climate Commitment Action Plan 2024, UIC is dedicated to the health and expansion of its tree canopy. Along with the beauty it brings to the campus, it functions as a living laboratory that supports academic programs that provide research opportunities and experiential student learning.
Along with routine maintenance of the university’s urban forest, its tree care plan includes strategic pruning, Integrated Pest Management, disease prevention, fertilization and soil health initiatives — practices shown to increase tree longevity and ecosystem benefits over time. It also prioritizes species diversity and long-term canopy succession planning. climate resilience.
The benefits that healthy trees provide to the UIC community are many. Trees reduce urban heat island effects and improve air quality by absorbing pollutants. Urban tree cover has been shown to reduce air temperatures in many cities, helping mitigate heat-related health risks. There is also strong evidence that green spaces and tree canopies contribute to improved mental and physical health outcomes. Research indicates that neighborhood tree cover is associated with better self-reported health and reduced stress levels.
Your generous donation will support the university’s ongoing efforts to preserve and protect its existing trees and add new tree cover to its arboretum campus.
