The Great Chicago Tree Count: More Trees Than Al Capone's Bullets?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and... a whole lotta trees? You might be surprised to learn that the Windy City boasts a wilder side – a sprawling urban jungle, if you will. But just how wild is it? Buckle up, folks, because we're diving headfirst into the fascinating (and slightly sap-tastic) world of Chicago's tree population.
Counting Trees: Not as Easy as Counting Mob Bosses
Now, you might think counting trees is a breeze. One, two, three... hey, there's a squirrel! But for the brave souls behind the Chicago Region Tree Census, it's a scientific rodeo. We're talking about meticulous plot assessments, strategic sampling, and enough data to make a botanist giddy. The latest count, conducted in 2020 (yes, they do this regularly!), revealed some pretty leafy numbers.
The Windy City's Wooden Wonders: By the Numbers
So, how many trees are we talking about? Here's the lowdown:
- The Greater Chicago Region: Brace yourselves – a whopping 172 million trees call this area home! That's more trees than there are stars in the Milky Way (well, probably).
- The City of Chicago Itself: While the suburbs are bursting with branches, Chicago proper holds its own with an estimated 4.1 million trees. That's a lotta shade for those scorching summer days.
But wait, there's more! The city also maintains over 520,000 parkway trees, the ones lining those iconic boulevards. That's a dedicated team keeping our streets leafy and green.
Fun Fact Forest: Trees with Personality
Now, trees aren't just a bunch of silent, standing citizens. The Chicago region boasts a diverse bunch, with over 194 different species counted. Some are native Illinois dwellers, while others are immigrants (just like the city's rich history!).
However, there's one species causing a bit of a ruckus – the European buckthorn. This invasive character makes up a whopping 36% of the region's trees. Looks like Chicago's got an ecological mob problem on its leafy hands!
The Verdict: Chicago's a Tree-mendous City
So, there you have it! While an exact count might be elusive (those squirrels keep getting in the way!), it's safe to say Chicago is a city that's gone green. From the parkways to the private yards, trees are woven into the fabric of the city, providing shade, beauty, and a whole lotta good vibes.
So, next time you're in Chicago, take a moment to appreciate the leafy giants. They might not be as flashy as the skyscrapers, but they're a vital part of what makes this city a truly branching success story.
