Palmer Square Launches First Winter Tree Walk Series at Chicago's Newest Arboretum

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Palmer Square · February 10, 2026

Palmer Square residents can now experience their beloved park in a new light this February with the launch of the inaugural Winter Tree Walk Series at Chicago's newest arboretum. The series, beginning Saturday, February 15, celebrates Palmer Square Park's recent designation as the first Chicago Park District location to receive Level I arboretum accreditation through the ArbNet Accreditation Program in September 2025.

The guided walks will showcase the park's impressive collection of over 28 tree varieties, including its historic elm grove featuring 53 hybrid elms. "We're creating opportunities for neighbors to appreciate our unique urban forest even during winter months," explained Steve Hier from the Homeowners Association of Palmer Square, who helped spearhead the arboretum classification process. Each Saturday morning session will include tree identification techniques using bark, buds, and branch patterns, with special attention to how the upcoming April 2026 zoning code changes might impact the neighborhood's green spaces.

Community members interested in participating can register through the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council website. The initiative marks the beginning of expanded educational programming required for maintaining the park's arboretum status, with spring planting events already being organized for early March to further enhance the neighborhood's distinctive tree canopy.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/palmer-square-park-named-chicago-park-districts-first-arboretum/
2. https://www.palmersquareparkcouncil.org/wp/?page_id=90
3. https://www.chicagocityscape.com/place/neighborhood-palmer-square