Dupage Policy Journal

Sen. Seth Lewis attended a press conference with the Roselle Park District to announce federal grants that "will go towards projects throughout Illinois." He made the statement in a June 10 post on Facebook.

"Today I had the opportunity to attend a press conference alongside members of the Roselle Park District and other elected officials announcing $6.86 million in federal grants," said Lewis, Illinois State Senator (R), according to Facebook. "These grants will go towards various projects throughout Illinois in collaboration with The Morton Arboretum's Chicago Region Trees Initiative."

According to WJOL.com, as part of the Morton Arboretum’s announcement of nearly two dozen urban forestry projects for grant funding, the Roselle Park District will receive $87,486. This funding will be used to plant 80 trees in disadvantaged areas, partially update the district’s tree inventory, remove 95 dead ash trees, and update the district’s Urban Forestry Management Plan with significant community engagement. One staff member will be trained to become an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.

Screenshot of Sen. Seth Lewis' June 10 Facebook post | Senator Seth Lewis' Facebook page

The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the direction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is the urban and community forestry program at The Morton Arboretum. According to the Arboretum’s website focused on CRTI, the purpose of the initiative is to improve tree canopies in the region and beyond, train tree stewards, and coordinate action to improve the future for oak trees. There are various resources available to the community through CRTI, including tree canopy maps, programs to help homeowners, tree advocacy and invasive species hubs.

The Morton Arboretum spans 1,700 acres of landscapes and trees for public enjoyment, nature education, and scientific research focusing on trees and their sustainability. It was founded in 1922 by Joy Morton, who also founded Morton Salt Company. The institution was created on December 14, 1922, with nine individuals on its Board of Trustees.

Lewis has served as a senator for Illinois' 24th Senate District since 2023 after two years in the Illinois House of Representatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of Iowa and previously worked as Vice President of Operations for a small manufacturing business in Melrose Park. Currently an independent agent with State Farm Insurance and a small business owner, he resides in Bartlett, IL with his wife; they have two grown sons.