Established in 1946, the Downers Grove Park District is home to 5,169 trees spreading over 600 acres of parks and open space. The District’s diverse urban canopy features 92 species including a large number of Maple and Oak species in addition to Baldcypress, Serviceberry, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, Douglas Fir and Alder trees. Not only are trees a critical asset to the Downers Grove community, they serve many valuable roles in local neighborhoods and the ecosystem. The Downers Grove Park District is proud to continue growing and improving the health and diversification of the local canopy and is committed to the mission of enriching the community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences.

In 2018, the Downers Grove Park District received a US Forest Service Grant to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan. The plan, which was completed in 2019, will help the District prepare for, and perpetuate the future of the Urban Forest by ensuring continuity in tree care, guide our future tree planting efforts, improve the resiliency of the tree population by increasing diversity, and to help plan for the reduction of invasive species, such as buckthorn and honeysuckle in the parks.