In 2020, The Morton Arboretum partnered with Davey Resource Group Inc. and the Student Conservation Association to conduct its second tree census, remeasuring 1,576 plots in the city of Chicago and the seven surrounding counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will to gain a comparative snapshot of the regional forest and the benefits it provides.

The first census was in 2010. For the whole seven-county area, the number of trees and shrubs increased from 157,142,000 in 2010 to 172,297,000 in 2020, representing more than 194 species. In 2020, the regional forest tree and shrub canopy cover was assessed to be 23%, an increase from 21% in 2010. In DuPage County, the canopy cover increased from 26% in 2010 to 31% in 2020.

Although the number of trees and shrubs and the canopy coverage did increase, the study notes that a large percentage of the canopy is composed of species considered invasive, such as European buckthorn and tree of heaven. Detailed discussion of the tree census findings may be found at:  https://mortonarb.org/science/tree-census/

In addition, based on earlier data, the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) has developed community-specific tree canopy summaries, including Downers Grove and many other Chicago area towns.


The above images and corresponding ones for other communities may be found at: http://chicagorti.org/CanopySummaries/

The Village's historic preservation program was revised in 2015, contributing to an increased interest in landmarking homes and other structures. Since then twenty-nine historic features have been granted local landmark status in Downers Grove –– nine structures in 2016, another nine in 2017, four more in 2018, four historic features in 2019 and one each year in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Landmark status was unanimously approved on August 20, 2024 for the Herbert E. Ehninger House, 4812 Northcott Avenue, at the request of Daniel Apel and Sharon Andersen. Please click here to learn about this English Country Revival style home constructed circa 1942.


Landmark status was unanimously approved  for 5804 Carpenter Street, the William S. Barnhart House, on December 12, 2023 at the request of Mary Ann Badke. Please click here to learn about this Cape Cod Style home built in 1940.

Landmark status was approved unanimously for 5834 Middaugh Avenue, the Mochel-Goodman Home, on February 1, 2022 at the request of Nancy and Gordon Goodman. Please click here to learn about this Mid-Century Modern Ranch home built in 1954.
 

The Village Council unanimously approved landmark status on February 16, 2021 for the Kotes-Kenny House, 200 Shady Lane at the request of Christie and John Kenny. Please click here to learn about this Mid-Century Modern home that was built circa 1960.

The Village Council unanimously approved landmark status on December 10, 2019 for the John and Doris Mochel House, 5329 Meadow Lane at the request of Louise and Peter Trucano. Please click here to learn about this Mid-Century Modern home that was built in 1964.

The Village Council unanimously approved landmark status on July 9th for the Robert J. Darnley House, 4721 Highland Avenue, at the request of Ted and Andrea Anderson. Please click here to learn about this Craftsman Cottage home that was built circa 1904.
 

On April 16th landmark status for the Village owned Main Street Cemetery, 5158 Main Street, was unanimously approved by the Village Council following a request by the Downers Grove Historical Society.  Learn about this source of civic pride and identity that was established in 1856 by clicking here.

On February 5, 2019 the Village Council approved landmark status for the H. M. Patton House, 5 Jacqueline Drive, at the request of Judith M. Erickson. Please click here to learn about this English Country Revival home that was built circa 1927.

Please click here to read about the presentation of the 2017 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Advocacy to Friends Of The Edwards House.

Please click here for a complete listing of the 32 historic features that have been granted local landmark status in Downers Grove.

Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance is committed to sound and sustainable environmental practices; protection and appreciation of our community's outstanding natural features, such as Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie; and preservation of significant cultural traditions, including the rich architectural heritage of Downers Grove.

The Alliance works to promote appreciation, protection and enhancement of our community's natural and cultural heritage through education, advocacy, stewardship and community outreach.