Palmer Square's First Winter Arboretum Walk Series Launches Next Week

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Palmer Square · November 14, 2025

Palmer Square Park will showcase its newly designated arboretum status with the launch of its first-ever Winter Arboretum Walk series beginning November 20, 2025. The innovative program follows the park's historic September accreditation as Chicago's first arboretum by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, administered by the Morton Arboretum in suburban Lisle.

The arboretum classification gives more weight to tree preservation and education in the Palmer Square area. With species now clearly labeled throughout the park, the arboretum is perfectly positioned to host educational tours focused on its diverse tree collection. This Level I accreditation makes Palmer Square the first Chicago Park District location to be designated as an accredited arboretum through ArbNet, the only accreditation program of its kind. The winter walks will highlight the park's dormant canopy and teach residents about seasonal tree identification, winter ecology, and the importance of urban forest preservation.

Residents interested in participating can register through the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council website, with the first walk scheduled for November 20 at 2:00 PM. The park now boasts over 200 trees with approximately 28 different species, creating a living outdoor museum in the heart of the neighborhood. Community members are encouraged to dress warmly and bring cameras to capture the winter beauty of what local volunteers have described as "Chicago's most beloved tree sanctuary."

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/palmer-square-park-named-chicago-park-districts-first-arboretum/
2. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/palmer-john-mcauley-square-park