Palmer Square Arboretum Launches Winter Tree Identification Workshops for Community Education

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Palmer Square · January 29, 2026

Palmer Square Park, recently designated as Chicago's first accredited arboretum, is launching a new community education initiative for winter 2026. The Palmer Square Park Advisory Council will host a series of weekend tree identification workshops starting this Saturday, February 1, bringing residents together to learn about the park's impressive collection of nearly 30 tree varieties even during winter months.

The workshops build on the neighborhood's commitment to environmental education and community engagement that began after the park received its arboretum accreditation in September 2025. Local tree experts will guide participants through winter identification techniques using bark, buds, and branch patterns. Residents can also learn about the upcoming changes to the city's zoning code scheduled for April 1, 2026, and how these changes might affect the neighborhood's tree canopy and green spaces.

"We're creating experiences that strengthen our neighborhoods and showcase Chicago's natural resources," said a park council representative. Community members interested in participating in the inaugural workshop should register through the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council website, with the first session beginning at 10 AM this Saturday.

Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/palmer-square-park-logan-square-arboretum/
2. https://www.chicagocityscape.com/place/neighborhood-palmer-square
3. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/attractions_eventsandexhibitions/news/2026/january/event_dates.html