Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Plan
The Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Plan assesses progress toward Oak Park’s 30x30 goal – establishing 30% of land as green infrastructure or enhanced management for plants, wildlife and people by 2030, as laid out in Climate Ready Oak Park. The Village Board adopted the plan on Aug. 25, 2026. The Plan also guides the future implementation of policies and programs that help the community meet this goal.
Click to view the plan
Click to view the Appendices
Climate change is already affecting Oak Park’s ecosystems and communities through rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. Green infrastructure helps communities be more resilient to these impacts by protecting biodiversity, absorbing stormwater, reducing urban heat, and improving environmental quality and public health.
The Plan establishes four sub-goals for realizing 30x30. By 2030:
- 30% of public land is established as or managed by green infrastructure, with 100% of public assets managed using enhanced management practices;
- 36% existing tree canopy coverage is maintained and cared for across Oak Park;
- 30% of Oak Park residents are practicing enhanced management or have installed green infrastructure on their property; and
- 30% of core natural areas are connected.
Strategies
The Village engaged residents and stakeholders through open houses, focus groups, pop-up events and a community survey. Their input helped shape and prioritize the strategies in the Plan. The Plan organizes these strategies into four categories:
- Policies – Regulatory levers that encourage progress towards the 30x30 vision.
- Programs – Incentives and initiatives that directly encourage and/or result in new green infrastructure.
- Education – Outreach and other activities that build awareness, support and participation.
- Coordination – Partnerships and collaborations that expand impact and bring in new resources for realizing the 30x30 vision.
The Village is already implementing strategies identified in the Plan and encourages residents to learn more about these programs and policies, including the Parkway Planting Ordinance, Green Alleys Program, Climate Ready Rainscapes and Climate Ready Canopy.
More information on what residents can do on their own property can be found here. Already taking certain actions on your property to improve biodiversity? Let us know at the CROP Progress Hub!
Free seed packets available - In celebration of the adoption of Oak Park's Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Plan, the Village is giving away free parkway seed packets. Parkways represent a vital opportunity to expand biodiversity and green infrastructure in Oak Park, and the Village is making it easier than ever for residents to transform these spaces into thriving, climate-resilient native gardens. The seed mix includes native species ideal for parkway conditions and is compliant with the Parkway Planting Ordinance. Seed packets can be picked up during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Village Hall, 123 Madison St.