memorial bench
Sarah Dennis sits on the bench dedicated to the memory of her mother.

Tree and Bench Dedications

Create a Lasting Memory in the Forest Preserves

By dedicating a tree or bench 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 and bench dedications for the 2024 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 or 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

  • For tree plantings, a new tree will be planted in the Preserves in locations that Preserves staff have already identified as priority areas.
  • Donors can select among the pre-identified priority areas for location options 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.
  • Trees are planted in the spring and fall. 
  • 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 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 maintained by Preserve staff for 5 years.
  • Certificate will be sent to requested recipient.

BENCHES

The Forest Preserves of Cook County has more than 350 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Along these trails, a bench offers a place to rest, reflect and take in the surroundings. Dedicating a bench helps to beautify the trails and creates a special way to celebrate a loved one or an important event.

Benches are constructed using recycled materials and are situated adjacent to trails and near parking areas at select locations selected by the Forest Preserves of Cook County field staff.

The Forest Preserve Foundation offers two bench options: bench installations and bench adoptions.

New Bench Installation

  • For bench installations, a new memorial bench will be installed in locations that Preserves staff have already identified as priority areas.
  • Donors can select a location from these priority areas.
  • A donation of $5,000 covers the cost of the bench, shipping, maintenance, and installation.
  • A personalized plaque will be attached to the bench.
  • Benches are maintained for 10 years. They can be renewed after the initial 10 year period for an additional donation.
  • The Forest Preserves staff install benches July-October.
  • Certificate will be sent to requested recipient.

Existing Bench Adoptions

  • For bench adoptions, a bench that has been previously installed in the Preserves is adopted and affixed with a new personalized plaque.
  • Donors can view the list of benches that are available to adopt upon contacting the Forest Preserve Foundation.
  • A donation of $1,200 covers the cost of adoption and the creation of a new plaque.
  • Bench adoptions are maintained by Preserve staff for 10 years.
  • Certificate will be sent to requested recipient.

Please keep in mind that tree and bench inquiries must be confirmed by Forest Preserves’ staff prior to making your donation. We are unfortunately unable to accommodate every location preference, but we do our best to match donor preference with the availability in the Preserves. 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 and Bench 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 312-603-8913 or reach out via the Tree and Bench Dedication Inquiry Form.

FAQ 

Once I’ve contacted the Forest Preserve Foundation with my inquiry, when can I expect that a tree will be planted or a bench fully installed?

Typically, the process takes anywhere from three to six months, depending on dedication type. We have tree planting and adoption seasons in the spring and fall and install benches and memorial plaques from July through October. Inclement weather can sometimes delay planting and installation, so we kindly ask for patience during the planting, adoption and installation seasons.

Can I choose any Preserve location for my memorial tree or bench?

Many preserves are at capacity for tree and benches or are otherwise unable to house new trees and benches. Due to these limitations, the Preserves staff must confirm and approve the locations for all trees and benches. The Forest Preserve Foundation will provide all Preserve locations that are available for trees and benches. You can then select your preference from that list. We are unfortunately unable to accommodate every location preference, but we do our best to match donor preference with the availability in the Preserves.

Can I select the tree species for my memorial tree?

The Forest Preserves staff select the tree species.

Can I have a memorial plaque attached to my tree?

We are unable to attach memorial plaques onto or near trees, as they can negatively impact the health of the tree. We only install plaques onto benches.

What happens after the Forest Preserves have confirmed my tree or bench?

Upon confirmation that the preferred Preserve location 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 or bench has been completed, we will send you GPS coordinates to your tree and bench and will send 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 or installing my bench?

We are unable to accommodate attendees during the planting of a tree or installation or adoption of a bench. You will receive notification once the tree or bench has been completed and is ready for viewing.

How long are the trees and benches cared for by the Forest Preserves staff?

The Forest Preserves field staff maintain trees for five years and benches are maintained for ten years.  Once the period has ended – and if you are interested in renewing the memorial tree or bench – please contact the Forest Preserve Foundation. Bench plaques are removed after the ten-year period has come to a close if they are not renewed.

How many words can I include in my plaque copy?

We allow for a maximum of three lines total, a maximum of 126 characters (including spaces) and a maximum of 42 characters per line (including spaces).

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