Nicor Gas announces five-year partnership with The Morton Arboretum

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

Through The Morton Arboretum's Chicago Region Tree Initiative, the organization has committed to expand the tree canopy across the region's below-average levels to deliver vital benefits and services.

"Our urban forest produces vital environmental and human health services," said Susan Schaus, director of Institutional Giving at The Morton Arboretum. "Trees improve our quality of life by providing habitats for wildlife, improving air and soil quality, supporting academic outcomes, mental health, community engagement and reducing the incidence of chronic health issues such as cardiovascular/respiratory diseases and obesity."

With the support of Nicor Gas, the Arboretum will also distribute more than 100 trees each year over the course of five years through community planting events.

"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."

Nicor Gas' support will facilitate the planting of 750 trees in communities throughout its service territory over the next five years and is expected to increase the quality of public green space, as well as equitable access to the outdoors.

In addition to facilitating tree planting across the region, Nicor Gas' commitment will also support The Arboretum's STEM Pathways programming that engages students from prekindergarten 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.

To learn more about Nicor Gas' commitment to the community, visit www.nicorgas.com/community.