PETITION TO SAVE THE MATURE TREES AT DEVELOPMENT SITE IN RF
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge local officials and the developer to preserve the matter trees currently slated for removal as part of the proposed development at Madison and Ashland. These trees are more than landscaping, They are an important part of of community’s natural heritage. They provide shade that helps with summer temperatures, improve air quality, absorb storm water, reduce noise support birds and other wildlife, and contribute to the beauty and character of our neighborhood. These trees have taken decades to grow and cannot simply be replaced by potted saplings.
We recognize the need for thoughtful development and understand growth can benefit our community. However, development and environmental stewardship do not have to be mutually exclusive. Incorporating green space should be seriously considered. By signing this petition, we ask decision makers to:
- conduct a thorough review of alternatives that minimize tree removal.
- Engage with residents to develop a plan that balances responsible development with the preservation of the neighborhood’s natural character.
Together, we ask that our community’s trees be treated as valuable assets worth protection.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
August 4, 2026
Correction
July 25, 2026
Please note that there is a typo, and the petition should say “preserve the mature trees”. Unfortunately we cannot change the text after the petition has been created. Thank you for your support.
55 Comments
The reason we bought the condominium we did over others in this building was because it looked directly into a mature elm tree…so beautiful, all year round. It has given us many years of pleasure.
As the environment warms, trees can save us. The sidewalks of communities with trees can register more than 25 degrees lower than sidewalks in communities without trees. The heat will kill us! River Forest should act on the knowledge of how valuable our trees are to the well-being of our Village.
The mature trees are what make Rive Forest, the Forest! They provide much needed shade when walking the dog. Please save them. They are part of our heritage.
I live in River Forest and the trees are an important part of our village. It takes years to grow these mature trees and the decision to take any of them down should be considered carefully.
“Let it die, let it die, let it shrivel up and... come on, who's with me, huh?” - O’Hare
We have lost so many big, precious trees to storms and pests…. Old growth trees cannot be replaced in our lifetime and are what makes this community beautiful. They mute urban noise and cool down the neighborhood.
Climate change is already significantly impacting our communities and beyond, and is only worsening. Trees provide immense benefit to us (perhaps most importantly, the literal oxygen that we need to breathe!) and protecting/investing in the nature we have left is crucial. We must find solutions for development that don’t impact the natural ecosystems that we and other species rely on - it’s never been more important.
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PETITION TO SAVE THE MATURE TREES AT DEVELOPMENT SITE IN RF
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge local officials and the developer to preserve the matter trees currently slated for removal as part of the proposed development at Madison and Ashland. These trees are more than landscaping, They are an important part of of community’s natural heritage. They provide shade that helps with summer temperatures, improve air quality, absorb storm water, reduce noise support birds and other wildlife, and contribute to the beauty and character of our neighborhood. These trees have taken decades to grow and cannot simply be replaced by potted saplings.
We recognize the need for thoughtful development and understand growth can benefit our community. However, development and environmental stewardship do not have to be mutually exclusive. Incorporating green space should be seriously considered. By signing this petition, we ask decision makers to:
- conduct a thorough review of alternatives that minimize tree removal.
- Engage with residents to develop a plan that balances responsible development with the preservation of the neighborhood’s natural character.
Together, we ask that our community’s trees be treated as valuable assets worth protection.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
August 4, 2026
Correction
July 25, 2026
Please note that there is a typo, and the petition should say “preserve the mature trees”. Unfortunately we cannot change the text after the petition has been created. Thank you for your support.
55 Comments
Mature trees are important of the ecoligcal environment and for the aesthetic makeup for which River Forest is known. Mature trees also help maintain property values.
The reason we bought the condominium we did over others in this building was because it looked directly into a mature elm tree…so beautiful, all year round. It has given us many years of pleasure.
As the environment warms, trees can save us. The sidewalks of communities with trees can register more than 25 degrees lower than sidewalks in communities without trees. The heat will kill us! River Forest should act on the knowledge of how valuable our trees are to the well-being of our Village.
The mature trees are what make Rive Forest, the Forest! They provide much needed shade when walking the dog. Please save them. They are part of our heritage.
I live in River Forest and the trees are an important part of our village. It takes years to grow these mature trees and the decision to take any of them down should be considered carefully.
“Let it die, let it die, let it shrivel up and... come on, who's with me, huh?” - O’Hare
We have lost so many big, precious trees to storms and pests…. Old growth trees cannot be replaced in our lifetime and are what makes this community beautiful. They mute urban noise and cool down the neighborhood.
Climate change is already significantly impacting our communities and beyond, and is only worsening. Trees provide immense benefit to us (perhaps most importantly, the literal oxygen that we need to breathe!) and protecting/investing in the nature we have left is crucial. We must find solutions for development that don’t impact the natural ecosystems that we and other species rely on - it’s never been more important.
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Mature trees are important of the ecoligcal environment and for the aesthetic makeup for which River Forest is known. Mature trees also help maintain property values.