Spanish-language program protects trees while cooling Chicago
The program teaches Chicagoans about tree identification, soil health and pruning so they can help care for community trees.
The accredited Openlands partnered with Latinos Progresando this summer to launch Chicago’s first Spanish-language TreeKeepers Certification Program, a free, month-long course that equips residents to care and advocate for trees where they live. The program teaches Chicagoans about tree identification, soil health and pruning so they can help care for community trees.
Sessions over the summer took place in the evenings and were taught in Spanish by Openlands’ urban forestry team. The curriculum combined tree biology and proper care with hands-on practice and community organizing. After completing the course, TreeKeepers can lead tree plantings, join pruning events and support local forestry efforts across Chicago.
Chicago’s extreme heat over the summer was a reminder of the critical role that trees play in keeping neighborhoods cooler and healthier. The city’s canopy isn’t evenly spread: Some North Side areas enjoy 30 to 40% tree cover, while parts of the South Side have just 7 to 10%. This disparity contributes to hotter streets, higher energy bills and worse health outcomes.
Expanding shade through grassroots stewardship is a cost-effective, nature-based defense to climate change.
“Trees do so much for us, and they’re so important to our cities,” said Molly Roche, a TreeKeepers program specialist. “They cool our cities, remove pollutants, divert storm water and provide shade.”
Openlands recently welcomed 19 new TreeKeepers, bringing the total to 2,200. Openlands also launched an English-language TreeKeepers Certification Program in October 2025.