Upcoming Tree Planting - Saturday November 15

We are planning the largest planting ever for us on November 15 at 1 pm in Addison, IL. 650 tree seedlings will find a new home along I-290. If you are interested in volunteering, please email: greenroadsproject (at) gmail.com

225 trees planted - Saturday, October 27, 2007

The planting took place on Saturday afternoon, starting at 1 pm. The trees were planted along Rt. 53, near the intersection of Hicks Rd. and Euclid Ave. 11 volunteers got engaged in this three hours long activity.

If interested in future volunteering, please email us at:
greenroadsproject (at) gmail.com

250 trees planted - September 16, 2007

250 trees were planted by four dedicated volunteers. Imagine how much of a difference just four people can make in one afternoon!

Planting site: the east slope of Rt.53 in Arlington Heights along Wilke Rd.

April 21, 2007 --- 250 Trees Planted at I-90/94 and I-55

Ten volunteers (Jeko, Kuni, Tom, Harold, Sarah, Mike, Amy, Sarah, Kiril and Tim) made this event not only possible but a joyful celebration of Earth Day.
The event took place only two miles southwest of the Chicago Green Festival.

Location: I-55 (Franklin Connector)

We were blessed to have the most beautiful weather in the month. It took us about 2 hours to place the tree seedlings in the pre-drilled holes, to install the protective nets and to water the trees. It was hard work, but joyful and fulfilling work.

The location was a composition of four areas creating a green tree hug for the highway.

It is the most visible location we have planted. It is on both sides of I-90/94 and the Red CTA line, on the south side of I-55 , directly next to the Metra railroad and next to 26th street just south of Chinatown.

Saturday - April 14, 2007 --- 250 Trees Planted by 15 volunteers

Location: southeast corner of I-90 and Cumberland

Accomplished Goal: To plant at least 250 trees and trash removal from central the planting area

The work was done by a team of 15 volunteers, Katie, Tim, Tom, Laurie, Candy, Carrie, Adam, Jeko, Kuni, Prathap, Matt, Elizabeth, Daniel, Harold and Kiril. We had great time together and enjoyed creating life and beauty for the people in Chicago.

Once the trees grow larger, they will be visible from the I-90 and the CTA blue line. When traveling east on I-90, you will have have a relaxing view of beautiful pine trees on the hill next to the highway. When riding the CTA blue line, you can enjoy the 1000 feet along an evergreen lined route to the south. This is a beauty that gets better and better over the years and it was made possible by a passionate group of volunteers committed to making a difference in Chicago and the world.

The volunteers had fun while working towards a greater future for Chicago and humanity. We all know that by contributing to others we grant our access to unlimited happiness for ourselves.

Money Raising for Insurance

The money raising is for liability insurance required by the Illinois Department of Transportation to obtain planting permits.

The goal for the donation is to raise $900. Trees Across The Miles NFP is 501 c3 non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible.

We got the needed insurance and paid half of the price. The rest of the $900 yearly payment is due on May 5th.

We are still open for donations.

If you couldn't come to the donation party but would like to donate, you can do so with PayPal by clicking at the button below or by mailing a check to:
Trees Across The Miles NFP
204 E. Broker Rd.
Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Thank you very much for the support.
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On March 17 2007 we had a donation party to welcome spring and celebrate Life.
The money raising was for liability insurance required by the Illinois Department of Transportation to obtain planting permits.

The goal for the donation was to raise $900. We raised $455.00

With the funds donated by March 17 we got the needed insurance and paid half of the price.
The rest of the $900 yearly payment is due on May 5th.

We are still open for donations (please Check the tree meter for the current amount raised).

Thank you very much for the support.

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October 27, 2006 - Planting of 250 Trees

This planting was done in Chicago at the north side of I-55 and east of Western in an area that is about 1600 ft long.

A view from the east of the planting area prior to the event

It was a short notice planting and only 4 volunteers attended the planting (Alexandra, Sarah, Kiril and Harold). The location for each tree was marked with the flags the day before the planting. 250 trees, consisting of Ponderosa Pine, Chinese Pine and Jack Pine were ready to find their home. This planting took longer because the holes had to be drilled and there were fewer people. After 6 hours of hard work, all the trees were planted and all the protective sleeves were in place around the trees. We were happy and satisfied with the productive afternoon and the great teamwork that made it possible to achieve these results.
There was a great view of the downtown Chicago skyline...

Some happy pictures were taken...

Kiril with a power drill

Harold in action

Sarah enjoying the beauty of the tree seedling

Another 250 trees found their home and the opportunity serve the planet and humanity. Four fulfilled volunteers went home, slept deeply and had beautiful dreams.

September 30, 2006 - Planting of 250 Trees

The planting locations were selected and marked with flags beforehand and the holes were made the day before the planting. We had three colors of flags, one for each variety of Pine.
The pines planted were Ponderosa Pine, Chinese Pine & Jack Pine.

Location "A"

Location "B"

Seven people volunteered for the planting, Jake, Akis, Nick, Vlad, Sarah, Harold & Kiril. Everyone was wearing reflective vest and had a specific task.

Here Vlad, Jake and Harold are picking up the tree seedlings from the truck.

Sarah is watering the planted seedlings at location "A"

Finishing the location "A". Akis, Vlad and Jake are collecting the flags from the site.
Jake and Vlad are working in a team planting in location "B".

The volunteers were very passionate and organized in their work and the project was completed in 3 hours, with 250 tree planted. Currently, only the yellow protective sleeves are visible, but in the years to come these pines are going to purify the air, beautify the roads and carry our memories and hope.

History and Experience

Trees planted by Harold, Technology and Results

Back in the '90s, Harold planted many seedlings of a variety of tree species. Many of these species had a hard time surviving in the harsh environment along the highways. Some trees proved to be resistant to the air pollution, salt during the winter, poor soil quality, drought, insects and diseases. Seeds from the surviving trees were collected and used for germination and future plantings. The high quality genetic pool, improved planting technology and prior experience help to achieve above a 90% survival for the planted trees.

A variety of techniques were used to achieve these results. For example, protective sleeves were placed around the seedlings to help them survive the first years.

The picture below shows the protective sleeves breaking down by the sun's UV light. At this point, after 9 years, they are not needed by the tree and are discarded. The iron wire that supported the sleeve will also degrade over time.

Samples of the past successes are given below:

These are trees planted in 1997 at the southwest corner of I-290 and North Road in Elmhurst, IL.Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) planted in 1997

These are trees planted in 1996 at the SE corner of I-290 and York Road in Elmhurst, IL.

Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) planted in 1996

These are healthy trees that make a difference around the highways of Chicago. In the last 20 years, many trees were planted by Trees Across The Miles and we are committed to expand this mission to include many more roads in Illinois and the United States.
In just two planting sessions in 2006 (Sep. & Oct.), 500 trees found a home. As support and enthusiasm builds for this project, the impact can expand over time.