About Chicago Gateway Green
Chicago Gateway Green: Beautifying and Greening Chicago's Expressways
Chicago Gateway Green is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to beautify and green Chicago's expressways since 1986. The organization was founded by Donald J. DePorter, who was inspired by the beauty of the gardens along the highways in Europe during his travels.
The mission of Chicago Gateway Green is to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable landscapes along Chicago's expressways, while also promoting environmental sustainability through education and community outreach programs.
Over the years, Chicago Gateway Green has transformed over 100 acres of land along the city's expressways into lush green spaces filled with trees, flowers, and other plants. These green spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also provide numerous environmental benefits such as reducing air pollution, mitigating noise pollution, improving water quality, and providing habitat for wildlife.
One of the most notable projects undertaken by Chicago Gateway Green is its "Tree Partnership Program." This program involves planting trees in partnership with local businesses and organizations. Through this program, over 4 million trees have been planted across Illinois since its inception in 1989.
In addition to its greening initiatives, Chicago Gateway Green also runs several educational programs aimed at promoting environmental sustainability among young people. These programs include "Green Tie Ball," an annual fundraising event that brings together business leaders from across Chicagoland to support environmental education initiatives; "Green Streets," a program that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices such as recycling; and "Green Schools," which provides resources for teachers to incorporate environmental education into their curriculum.
Chicago Gateway Green has received numerous awards for its work over the years including recognition from Mayor Rahm Emanuel for its contributions towards making Chicago a more sustainable city. The organization continues to be a driving force behind efforts to make Chicagoland more environmentally friendly while enhancing its natural beauty.
In conclusion, if you are looking for an organization that is dedicated to making Chicagoland more beautiful while promoting sustainability through innovative initiatives then look no further than Chicago Gateway Green! With their commitment towards creating sustainable landscapes along expressways coupled with their educational outreach programs aimed at fostering eco-consciousness among young people - they are truly leading by example when it comes down being environmentally responsible citizens!