Preserving the Legacy of the Frances Shimer Arboretum​​

Shimer Square was once home to the 14-acre Frances Shimer Arboretum, featuring over 200 trees—including more than 60 species and varieties, some over 100 years old. Notably, it includes three surviving old-growth American chestnut trees. One of them is listed on the Illinois Big Tree Register as the largest recorded in the state.

As part of redevelopment efforts, a thorough assessment of the site's trees was conducted to ensure the safety of construction crews and future residents. Unfortunately, some trees, though appearing healthy, are severely decayed internally and must be removed. We recognize the deep emotional connection many have to these trees and are approaching this work with great care and respect.

In 2025, GROWTH’s Board of Directors voted to re-establish the Frances Shimer Arboretum on campus. This long-term initiative will take careful planning, but our goal is to preserve the site’s natural character while creating a sustainable future.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. While not every tree or feature can be preserved, we remain committed to honoring the past and restoring the campus's natural beauty for generations to come.

​We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your patience and dedication to our shared goal of preserving and restoring the natural beauty of our campus. Your cooperation is invaluable as we endeavor to create a sustainable and vibrant environment for generations to come.

We know how important the trees at Shimer Square are to the community, and we share your desire to preserve as many as possible. Our primary responsibility is safety. Removing these trees is a difficult but necessary step to protect both the community and the future of the site. We appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain a balance between preservation and safety at Shimer Square.