Author: Hamdi Hato
My journey with the Chicago Green Muslim team began when I stumbled upon their Instagram page. I was immediately drawn to their mission and vision of building a more sustainable and equitable future for all. After signing up for the Tree Ambassador program, I joined the team as a trainee. What inspired me most was their focus on addressing environmental disparities in Chicago’s neighborhoods—particularly those with fewer trees and green spaces. Meeting the founders and learning about their ambitious goal to support the City of Chicago’s Our Roots Chicago program in order to increase tree cover and plant over seventy-five thousand trees by 2026 resonated deeply with me. I knew I wanted to be part of this transformative work, contributing to the well-being of both the planet and the community.
After joining the Chicago Green Muslim team as a trainer, I collaborated with the Chicago Islamic Center (CIC) to expand our outreach to non-profit organizations and houses of worship. Together, we aimed to address environmental justice and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle rooted in Islamic teachings. I took on the responsibility of building a partnership between the two organizations, which was crucial for developing programs and community engagement initiatives. During this time, I was honored to be elected as a board member of the Chicago Green Muslim team. This role allowed me to help deliver training at the Chicago Islamic Center, where I reached out to community members, encouraging their participation and fostering a sense of active involvement in our environmental initiatives. By working together, we acted as ambassadors for sustainability, spreading awareness and inspiring others to embrace a greener lifestyle.
In our efforts to plant trees, we don’t just submit requests to the City of Chicago; we actively engage with the community through structured training sessions. Our training includes two parts. The first part is theoretical, where we emphasize the importance of trees and teach participants the criteria for selecting the right locations for planting. We discuss factors like how far apart trees should be, avoiding overhead wires, and ensuring there are no fire hydrants or water pipelines in the vicinity. We also provide brochures for residents, including our contact information, in case they’re interested in submitting requests individually, as all trees are free from the city.
The second part of the training is hands-on. We walk through the neighborhoods, discussing what we’ve learned and identifying potential tree-planting sites. Our Tree Ambassadors, who live in these neighborhoods, play a vital role as guardians of the trees. If one ambassador is unable to care for the trees, another will step in to ensure they thrive and that no vandalism occurs. This dual approach of theoretical and practical training reinforces our message and empowers community members to become true Tree Ambassadors, committed to fostering a greener future.
Additionally, as we engage with the community, we often encounter myths and misconceptions about trees. One common myth is that trees are dangerous for homes, potentially damaging houses or cars. The truth is that, when properly maintained, trees can actually protect your home by providing shade and reducing energy costs. However, if not cared for, they can develop weaker limbs.
Another misconception is that trees make neighborhoods more dangerous by increasing crime. Contrary to this belief, studies show that tree-lined neighborhoods tend to have lower crime rates, as trees can enhance community cohesion and a sense of safety.
Lastly, some people worry that tree roots will break their pipes and cause expensive plumbing issues. In reality, tree roots typically grow down only two to three feet and are unlikely to crack pipes. Often, it’s broken pipes that attract tree roots due to the moisture they leak.
By addressing these myths during our training sessions, we aim to foster a better understanding of the true benefits of trees and encourage community members to embrace the idea of planting more trees in their neighborhoods.
Becoming a Tree Ambassador not only benefits the community but also offers numerous personal rewards. First and foremost, Tree Ambassadors develop valuable leadership and community organizing skills. This experience empowers them to take charge of initiatives and inspire others to get involved.
Additionally, the program receives funding from the CRTI (Chicago Region Tree Initiative) Morton Arboretum to support Tree Ambassadors in their efforts, providing resources to make a real impact in their neighborhoods.
The role also fosters a deeper connection with the community, allowing ambassadors to meet neighbors and contribute to shaping the character of their neighborhoods. Finally, as Tree Ambassadors, they become part of a mission larger than themselves, working toward a greater good and fostering a more sustainable future for everyone.
Reflecting on my journey as a trainer, I’ve learned the importance of working directly with grassroots members in their neighborhoods. Engaging with those who live in the community allows us to deliver our message clearly and ensures we stay on the right path. This hands-on approach is vital, especially when requesting trees from the City of Chicago to enhance our green spaces. It’s been incredibly rewarding to empower individuals and foster a sense of ownership in our environmental efforts. Together, we are not just planting trees; we are nurturing a movement for a sustainable future.
