Trees · Illinois

MWRD Restore the Canopy Free Sapling Giveaway

Run by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)

SeasonalLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Free native saplings (per-person limit not published)
Who qualifies
Page does not state eligibility rules for individuals; program serves Cook County residents, schools, organizations and municipalities. Bulk deliveries only within Cook County and not to residential addresses.
Where
Cook County residents, schools, organizations and municipalities; pickup at six MWRD plants.
Status
Seasonal. April through October Wednesdays; season ends October 2026.
Type of payment
Free item
Official program page

What you do

Pick up free native oak saplings (2026: bur, pin, red, swamp white) and plant them on your property.

Requirements

  • Pick up in person at an MWRD plant Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon, April through October, or at announced community outreach events
  • Orders of 50 or more use the bulk sapling order form (no residential delivery)

How to apply

  1. 1Visit one of the six plants on a Wednesday 9 a.m.-noon: Calumet (400 E. 130th St, Chicago), Egan (550 S. Meacham Rd, Schaumburg), Hanover Park (1220 Sycamore Ave), Kirie (701 W. Oakton St, Des Plaines), O'Brien (3500 Howard St, Skokie), Stickney (6001 W. Pershing Rd, Cicero)
  2. 2Or attend a community outreach event announced on MWRD social media
  3. 3Questions: [email protected] or 312-751-6633

Timing and deadlines

Same day pickup

Season ends in October

Combining it with other programs

not published

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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