Submitted by the Illinois Tollway.

Downers Grove, IL - The Illinois Tollway is partnering with the Morton Arboretum to enhance aesthetics and expand tree canopy coverage along the tollway system as part of its efforts to increase environmental benefits and sustainability. In recognition of the new effort, the Tollway will celebrate Arbor Day on April 29 by giving away 15,000 tree seedlings to customers at the Tollway's Downers Grove headquarters and at tollway oases.

In partnership with the Morton Arboretum, the Illinois Tollway develop a systemwide landscape master plan for trees, shrubs and other native plantings on Tollway property. The Illinois Tollway is committed to minimizing the environmental impacts of its roadways by adopting wetland improvement and landscaping projects with local and regional benefits.

"We know that the roads the Illinois Tollway builds and operates are critical to transporting the goods, services and workforce that support and grow our region's economy," said Illinois Tollway Board of Directors Chairman Bob Schillerstrom. "Today, we're announcing our support for the growth of natural resources throughout the 12 counties we serve, by setting a goal to plant 58,000 trees." The Tollway will begin the new initiative by working with the Arboretum to analyze the 286-mile Tollway system to determine potential planting areas, with emphasis on areas in which trees can be established and tree canopy coverage expanded. Tollway interchanges will be a primary focus area being analyzed for suitability of plantings as they serve as gateways into the communities surrounding the Tollway.

The public is invited to stop by Tollway headquarters in Downers Grove on April 29 or one of the seven Tollway oases between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to pick up a complimentary tree seedling. The Tollway will offer a variety of species that grow well in Northern Illinois along with information for planting and care provided by The Morton Arboretum.

"The Morton Arboretum welcomes the opportunity to be part of this innovative effort and provide expertise in tree science and conservation to establish and maintain a healthy urban forest along the Illinois Tollway system," said Gerry Donnelly, President and CEO of the Arboretum. "Planting more trees throughout the Tollway system offsets impacts of road development and use, creates a community asset, and adds greatly to the quality of the environment."