The TREE Fund is pleased to announce that long-time TREE Fund Partner STIHL Inc. is returning as the Title Sponsor of the 2010 Tour des Trees. Since the first Tour in 1992, the Tour des Trees has evolved into the largest non-governmental source of funding for tree research and education in America, and the signature fundraising and public education event for the TREE Fund.

While no longer aspiring to 1,000 miles in 6 days (current Tours average 400-600 miles in 6-7 days) Tour riders remain committed to spreading the word about the importance of choosing "the right tree, in the right place", as well as proper planting, pruning, soil amendment and irrigation techniques. The 2010 STIHL Tour des Trees will feature tree plantings, public education events and professional equipment demonstrations as part of its journey through northern Illinois.

Tour cyclists vary widely in age, experience and professional background; what brings them together is a quest for adventure, camaraderie and a passion for the environment. Each full-Tour rider is required to raise a minimum of $3,500 for tree research, but everyone comes away with lifelong friends and memories. Many return to ride year after year. Register here to ride the 2010 Tour.

The 2010 STIHL Tour des Trees will launch from Chicago's spectacular Millennium Park on Sunday, July 18, and travel north and west to the Mississippi before looping back toward the Chicago area. 500 miles later, the 2010 Tour concludes Saturday, July 24, with a grand entrance into the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, during the International Tree Climbing Competition's preliminary qualifying events. Click here to view a map of the 2010 STIHL Tour des Trees route.

New for 2010 is a one-day Ride for Research on Saturday, July 24 featuring two of Chicagoland's most scenic and noteworthy research facilities, Fermilab and the Morton Arboretum. Local riders are invited to join the STIHL Tour des Trees for the day to help raise awareness of the need for tree research and professional tree care. The $75 registration fee for the “Ride for Research” covers lunch, a commemorative T-shirt, entrance to the Morton Arboretum and a donation to the TREE Fund. Register by July 1 for a guaranteed T-shirt.

Last year’s STIHL Tour des Trees, which kicked off in New York City, grossed more than $440,000, and 100% of the costs of the event were supported by its sponsors.

Since its inception in 1992, the Tour des Trees has generated more than $4.4 million and has funded a variety of research projects, including new disease control methods that could reduce pesticide usage, new technology to increase post-planting survival in urban trees, and improved safety methods for arborists and other tree care professionals.

The success of this event depends not only upon riders, but also upon corporate sponsorships. Corporate sponsors and local underwriters help to offset the cost of food, lodging and mechanical support. The TREE Fund gratefully acknowledges the support of our Partners and Sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible.

Tour des Trees Sponsors