Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is bringing its environmental commitment to Chicago this Earth Month, planting 20 trees in McCollum Park as part of its expanded Tree Equity initiative. The project aims to combat environmental inequality by increasing green space in economically disadvantaged communities.
The whisky brand has partnered with American Forests and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) to implement the program. Local participants from SEASPAR’s EAGLES adult day program will assist with planting and long-term stewardship of the trees.
Addressing Urban Canopy Disparities
According to American Forests, Chicago currently has only about 20% tree canopy cover across the city, with inequitable distribution that leaves some neighborhoods significantly underserved.
“Trees are the lungs of the Earth and where trees thrive, people and communities flourish,” said Jad Daley, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Forests. “Bulleit has been a tremendous partner to American Forests and a strong supporter of advancing Tree Equity.”
The initiative addresses critical environmental justice issues, as communities with fewer trees experience higher temperatures, poorer air quality, and less resilience to climate change impacts.
Bulleit’s Sustainability Commitments
This Chicago project builds on Bulleit’s established environmental record. In 2020, the brand partnered with American Forests to restore one million trees across the U.S., reaching that goal three years ahead of schedule.
“Bulleit has a long history of designing programs and developing partnerships that have a positive impact on people and the planet,” said Johannah Rogers, Global Brand Director at Diageo North America. “As we remain focused on protecting our natural resources and supporting local communities, we know we cannot do it alone, which is why we’re excited to collaborate with partners who share our mission. Our work with American Forests will make a difference by raising national awareness for the critical need for Tree Equity, and will support the communities in which we operate.”
The brand has since expanded its commitment to plant and restore 2.5 million trees by 2026, with particular focus on White Oak trees, which are essential to whiskey production. Bulleit estimates these efforts will remove 74,000 pounds of pollutants and conserve over 75 million gallons of water.
Chicago joins Houston, Detroit, New York City, and Tacoma as locations where Bulleit has implemented Tree Equity initiatives since 2022.
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The project emphasizes community involvement through partnership with Downers Grove Park District and SEASPAR, creating opportunities for local stewardship of newly planted trees and fostering community ownership of green spaces.
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