Palmer Square Park

Palmer Square Park Arboretum, located in Logan Square on Chicago’s northwest side, is the result of over 45 years of grassroots stewardship. In 1980, neighbors—led by Steve Hier—formed the Homeowners Association of Palmer Square to transform a neglected, clay-filled field into a thriving green space. At the time, the park had just 27 trees and little care. That same year, the group partnered with George Ware, Ph.D. (1924–2010), a noted American dendrologist and then-research director at the Morton Arboretum. Dr. Ware specialized in evaluating Asiatic elm species as hardy urban trees and provided more than 50 hybrid elms for planting in Palmer Square. Many of those trees still thrive today.

The arboretum has grown to include 28 species across nearly 8 acres of land, including native and non-native species like hackberry, catalpa, and serviceberry. Though the collection was planted informally, it reflects decades of intentional care. Neighbors dug holes by hand, revived an old underground irrigation system, and even installed railroad ties to protect young trees from damage. Dr. Ware, Mayor Jane Byrne, and several aldermen were named honorary members of the effort.

In recent years, the Morton Arboretum completed a GPS and genetic inventory of the hybrid elms, with results expected soon. Today, Palmer Square Park remains a community-led park — valued not just for its beauty, but as a model of grassroots action and stewardship.