MWRD to host a micro-forest planting of 250 tree saplings in honor of America 250

What: MWRD tree-planting kick-off event marking America's Semiquincentennial, including the start of an agency-wide initiative to plant 250 oak saplings

When: 10 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026

Where: Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, 400 E. 130th St., Chicago

Why: To celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary and highlight the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD's) long-standing efforts to enhance climate resilience, support native habitats and reduce stormwater impacts.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will commemorate America's Semiquincentennial with a special tree-planting initiative that honors the nation's 250th anniversary while advancing the MWRD's commitment to environmental stewardship. As part of this effort, the MWRD will plant 250 oak saplings on MWRD properties throughout 2026.

A public kick-off event will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in front of the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, 400 E. 130th St., Chicago. Community members, partners, and media are invited to attend. Shovels and gloves will be provided.

Since launching the "Restore the Canopy, Plant a Tree" program in 2016, the MWRD has distributed more than 100,000 free native tree saplings to residents, schools, and community organizations across the service area to support green infrastructure's ability to collect more rainfall and reduce flooding. Planting 250 oak saplings builds on this successful track record while supporting stormwater management, climate resilience and healthier local ecosystems.

The densely packed micro-forests are of native vegetation are designed to mimic natural, self-sustaining ecosystems that can grow rapidly, restore urban biodiversity, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and absorb stormwater to reduce flooding and improve water quality.