2023 Governor's Hometown Award Finalist – Plant the Gem

Plant the Gem was nominated for The Governor's Hometown Award by Stephanie Wright in the project category of "Environmental Stewardship." They were chosen as one (1) of four (4) finalists to compete for the Governor's Cup and received honorable mention for their project described below:

The Village of Flossmoor led the Plant the Gem Project in partnership with the Hidden Gem Half Marathon, the Chicago Region Tree Initiative and Open Lands. The Village coordinated the planting of 300 native and diverse trees by various volunteer groups in a single day along the Hidden Gem's 13.1 mile half marathon route.

Not only do trees improve air and water quality, reduce flooding, reduce the urban heat island effect, and reduce energy costs by shading buildings, they also provide habitat for local wildlife and improve our quality of life by reducing crime rates, increasing property value, and boosting social cohesion in neighborhoods. According to the CRTI, one of the Village's partners for Plant the Gem, urban trees are critical infrastructure, just like roads, storm sewers or water mains. Studies show that the size and health of a tree canopy directly relate to the benefits and services the trees provide and the canopy's ability to offset impacts from urban living.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.flossmoor.org/