A pair of non-profits with roots in the Metro East, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (JJKF) and Lansdowne UP, have been awarded subgrants by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).
The JJK Foundation will receive $ 499,632.94 and Landsdowne $ 280,120.50 to plant trees throughout their respective communities to ‘increase the tree canopy, improve forest health, and create or enhance community forestry programs,” according to the Morton Arboretum.
Together, the respective organizations will plant over 1,000 trees in East St. Louis over a 3-year period.
Trees not only help to mitigate flooding and reduce pollution; studies show that they can also improve mental and physical health.
The JJKF will plant over 800 trees including native species and fruit trees within 70 acres, helping to beautify post-industrial land and create a model for food system resiliency.
“When we invest in our community and nurture our environment, we create a legacy of hope and opportunity that empowers every generation to dream bigger and achieve more,” said Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
“Lansdowne UP and the JJKF worked together on securing these grants knowing the great contribution a healthy tree canopy can provide to our community. By working together in neighboring footprints, we compound the benefits we all receive,” said Mark Mestemacher, Lansdowne UP president.
The Lansdowne UP subgrant will take place in the 20-acre Lansdowne Park housing development, a former abandoned site that has been developed to offer market rate housing in East St. Louis.