Palmer Square's Arboretum Launches Winter Tree Education Series with Local Artists

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Palmer Square · February 18, 2026

Palmer Square Park, which made history in September 2025 as the first Chicago Park District location to receive Level I arboretum accreditation, is launching a new winter education series starting February 20, 2026. The "Art Among the Elms" program combines environmental education with local artistic talent to highlight the park's unique collection of 28 tree varieties and historic elm grove.

The initiative, organized by the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council and Homeowners Association of Palmer Square, will feature guided Saturday morning tours led by certified arborists, followed by art workshops where participants can create nature-inspired pieces. "This program celebrates what makes our neighborhood special while building environmental awareness," explains Steve Hier, who helped spearhead the arboretum classification process. "The winter months offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the architectural beauty of trees without their foliage."

Community members interested in participating can register through the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council website. The educational series will run through March, serving as a precursor to spring planting events planned ahead of the April 2026 zoning code changes that may impact neighborhood green spaces.

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
3. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/palmer-square-park-logan-square-arboretum/
4. https://www.palmersquareparkcouncil.org/wp/?page_id=90