The City of Naperville was awarded a $15,000 grant in January 2022 to rebuild the area that was severely damaged during the EF-3 tornado that touched down in Naperville on June 20, 2021. The funds were provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban and Community Forestry Partner Grant Program and administered by The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI). 

As a result of the June 20 storm, 240 parkway trees were removed. Following the tornado, the City Council approved replanting the trees in the hardest hit area within one year at no cost to the residents. This grant was requested to assist in funding the tree planting in this area and covered the planting of 50 trees. “Naperville residents showed enormous courage and resilience the days and weeks after the storm,” said Director of Public Works Dick Dublinski. “We’re grateful this grant gave us the opportunity to restore some normalcy in the hardest hit area by regaining the tree canopy that was lost during the tornado.” As of summer 2022, a total of 260 new trees have been planted in the area. Newly planted trees are native species and will be monitored by the City for the next two years as part of the grant requirement.

For more information about the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.