Many of you may have noticed the mass planting of trees happening in Chicago this year. These trees are replacements for the trees we lost due to the Emerald Ash Borer, a highly destructive beetle.

You can read more about it here:

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/emerald_ash_borer

Not only is it devastating to lose the canopy of our trees, but removal of the ash trees prevented their trunks and branches from becoming snags, an integral part of our urban wildlife.

From the National Wildlife Federation:

“Dead trees provide vital habitat for more than 1,000 species of wildlife nationwide. They also count as cover and places for wildlife to raise young in the requirements for Certified Wildlife Habitat designation.

Snags - The name for dead trees that are left upright to decompose naturally.

Logs - When a snag (or part of a snag) falls on the ground, it becomes a log—also very useful for wildlife habitat.

By some estimates, the removal of dead material from forests can mean a loss of habitat for up to one-fifth of the animals in the ecosystem.”

Read more here:

https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Cover/Trees-and-Snags

As a city, we are slowly recovering from this invasive species, and learning the importance of all of the life cycle of trees. If you’re in Chicago, say hello to our new trees! And let them know how much they’re appreciated.