Save our Ashes!
The trees in our neighborhood are at risk and we need your help with fundraising!
Thank you, Ravenswood Manor, for your support of our Ash Tree inoculation project in 2020! Because of the generosity of our neighbors, we raised enough money two years ago to protect all of our 99 beautiful Ash Trees! This treatment lasts between 2-3 years, so our fundraising efforts are beginning anew for the next inoculation in the Spring of 2023. See below this message for ways to donate.
As most of you know, the City of Chicago abandoned its inoculation efforts of the city’s Ash Trees as a budgetary decision in 2018. The inoculation protects Ash trees against the Emerald Ash Borer, a highly invasive beetle that will kill every tree it infests. Our Ravenswood tree canopy (trees in the parkways) contains approximately 108 Ash Trees. Of these, 99 have been identified as healthy enough to save. NOTE: The ash trees have been tagged once they have been injected with treatment and this makes it easy to identify which trees are Ash trees currently being treated.
How does treatment work?
The current manner of protecting the Ash Tree from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is to inject the treatment into holes drilled into the base of the trunk. This work is done by a certified Arborist. The tree’s vascular system then distributes the treatment to the entire tree. The EAB treatment has an efficacy rate of well over 90%. It works by killing the beetle as it eats the tree. In addition, the treatment, given appropriately, will allow the tree to live a natural lifespan, which is between 150-260 years.
Why save the Ash Trees?
A tree canopy is a valuable part of any neighborhood. In addition to providing shelter and shade, our canopy also lowers our utility bills, prevents water run off and is a hallmark feature of historic neighborhoods, providing both increased property value and beauty. It would be devastating to lose 99 trees from our canopy.
How can I help?
We are asking homeowners to consider providing a donation towards this cause. Not everyone has an Ash tree but everyone benefits from our parkway canopy. On average, it costs approximately $125 to protect a tree for 2-3 years. Some trees are bigger and will require more of the treatment but many are smaller and will require less. The full cost of this project is $12,348.00. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated. If you happen to have an ash tree on your parkway, we ask that you consider covering the cost of your tree, if you are able.
Payment
Please consider donating to help protect our trees. There are many ways to make a donation:
- New for 2022-23: Donate through our secure online donation system by clicking here.
- Use your Chase QuickPay or Zelle using the email: treasurer@ravenswoodmanor.com. Please indicate Ash Trees in the memo area for our bookkeeping.
- Mail a check payable to “Ravenswood Manor Improvement Association” to our PO Box. Mention “Save Our Ashes” and your address with your check.
RMIA
PO Box 25486
Chicago, IL 60625 - Annual Dues – Include an additional donation with your annual membership renewal and indicate the amount for the Ash trees in the memo line.
What if I have more questions? Please feel free to reach out to Lorin Liberson, our neighbor at 2926 W Leland. Her email is lorinmliberson@gmail.com and her phone number is 708.227.7905.