FREP Noon Network to discuss Chicago Region Trees Initiative

The Fox River Ecosystem Partnership hosts its bimonthly FREP Noon Network from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Hickory Knolls Nature Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive in St. Charles.

Melissa Custic, Chicago Region Trees Initiative coordinator at Morton Arboretum, will discuss this collaborative partnership for coordinated action on key issues facing trees. It is the largest such initiative in the country, with leading organizations and agencies from across the seven-county metropolitan region working together.

CRTI is leveraging funding, knowledge, skills, and expertise to build a healthier, more diverse regional forest.

Custic will provide an overview of what is being done throughout the region, and how people and communities can help. The initiative looks at the value of all trees, whether they are in a park, streetscape, or natural area. The public is welcome to attend this free program and reservations are not required.

This program is being hosted by FREP member St. Charles Park District.

The Fox River Ecosystem Partnership was established in 1997 representing the entire Fox River Watershed in Illinois, covering 1,720 square miles situated within the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry and Will. Its membership includes individuals, governments, organizations and businesses that meet regularly "to promote, preserve, protect and enhance the natural, cultural, economic and recreational resources of Illinois' Fox River and its watershed."

For information about this program and the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, visit foxriverecosystem.org.