Tree Dedications
Create a Lasting Memory in the Forest Preserves
By dedicating a tree in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, you can mark the memory of a family member or friend, honor someone special, commemorate an anniversary, or celebrate a new beginning by making a gift that will last for years to come.
The Forest Preserve Foundation is now accepting tree dedications for the 2025 season.
TREES
Trees provide countless benefits including habitat for wildlife, improved air and water quality, and beautiful landscapes. Dedicating a tree in the Forest Preserves of Cook County adds to the Preserves, benefits the environment and creates a special way to celebrate a loved one or an important event.
Tree species and location are selected by Forest Preserves of Cook County field staff, keeping in mind the needs of our natural habitats and community use of the Preserves.
The Forest Preserve Foundation offers two tree options: tree plantings and tree adoptions.
New Tree Planting
- A new tree will be planted in the Preserves in locations that Preserves staff has already identified as priority areas.
- Donors can select among the pre-identified Preserves for their tree planting.
- A donation of $3,000 covers the cost of the tree, its planting, care and maintenance for 5 years.
- Tree dedications can be renewed after the 5 years for an additional donation, without the care and maintenance given to newly planted trees.
- Trees are planted in the spring and fall.
- New tree request deadlines:
- February 15 for spring planting
- July 15 for fall planting.
- A certificate will be sent to requested recipient.
Existing Tree Adoption
- Donors may adopt a tree that has been previously planted in the Preserves to memorialize a loved one or mark a special event.
- Donors can view the list of trees that are available to adopt upon contacting the Forest Preserve Foundation.
- A donation of $1,000 covers the cost of adoption.
- Tree adoptions are available year-round.
- A certificate will be sent to requested recipient.
Please keep in mind that tree inquiries must be confirmed by Forest Preserves’ staff prior to making your donation. Upon confirmation, we will send you a link to make a donation online. Alternatively, a check can be mailed in at that point.
To begin the process, please complete a Tree Dedication Inquiry form:
Many questions are answered in our FAQ. If you would like addtional information, please reach out to info@forestpreservefoundation.org or call 312-603-8348 or reach out via the Tree Dedication Inquiry Form.
FAQ
Once the tree dedication donation has been made to the Forest Preserve Foundation, when can I expect that a tree will be planted?
The timeline depends on the timing of the request in relation to the tree planting and adoption seasons in the spring and fall. Dedication requests finalized by February 15 will be planted during the spring planting (typically April/May). Dedication requests finalized by July 15 will be planted during the fall planting (typically Sept./Oct.). Weather can impact planting timing, so we kindly ask for patience during the planting season.
Can I choose any Preserve location for my tree?
New tree planting opportunities are available at priority locations throughout the Preserves. You may select which preserve from a drop-down menu of available preserves. Tree location within a given preserve is selected by Forest Preserves of Cook County field staff, keeping in mind the needs of our natural habitats and community use of the Preserves.
Can I select the tree species?
The Forest Preserves staff selects the tree species to fit plans for managing the forests.
Can I have a memorial plaque attached to my tree?
We do not place plaques or stakes onto or near trees.
What happens after the Forest Preserves has confirmed my tree?
Upon confirmation that a location in your selected preserve is available, the Forest Preserve Foundation will send you a link to complete payment. Once the donation payment has been received, we will notify you with any updates. Once the tree planting has been completed, we will send you GPS coordinates to your tree and a certificate to the address of the honoree or requested recipient.
Can I be present when the Forest Preserves field staff are planting my tree?
We are unable to accommodate attendees during the planting of a tree. You will receive notification once the tree has been planted and is ready for visits.
How long are the trees cared for by the Forest Preserves staff?
The Forest Preserves field staff cares for and maintains newly planted trees for five years.