Nicor announces partnership with Morton Arboretum

LISLE - Nicor Gas recently committed $200,000 over five years to the Morton Arboretum to further its mission of increasing the urban tree footprint across Chicago-area communities currently experiencing low tree canopy.

With the support of Nicor Gas, the Arboretum's Chicago Region Tree Initiative will distribute more than 100 trees each year over the course of five years through community planting events.

In addition to facilitating tree planting, Nicor Gas's commitment will also support Morton Arboretum's STEM Pathways program that engages students from pre-K through college with content intended to broaden understanding of STEM careers, spark curiosity, increase a sense of self-efficacy, and serve as an accessible entryway into different job fields.

"Last year, Nicor Gas announced our goal to create, maintain and sustain 10,000 acres of open space across our service territory, and help achieve equitable access to these cultural, educational and recreational spaces," said Jackie Nagel, community engagement manager at Nicor Gas. "We know that many under-resourced neighborhoods across the Chicago region tend to be less canopied, and we are partnering with the Morton Arboretum to help mitigate inequities in these neighborhoods."