Lake County is planting hundreds of trees, including some in Waukegan, to combat stormwater problems and rising temperatures

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) — They get to the bottom of solutions to climate change in Lake County.

A tree planting program will improve green infrastructure to address stormwater problems, rising temperatures and poorer air quality.

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On Monday, they were busy digging up the earth to make room for a brand new tree in Waukegan. It will be one of more than 100 they will plant along a section of trail.

When it rains a lot, the area is often flooded and flooding occurs. But that will soon change.

“Trees are the best infrastructure you can create for stormwater management,” said Robin Grooms, Lake County sustainability director.

The trees they plant are expected to absorb thousands of gallons of water during storms, saving the county from much more costly water treatment alternatives.

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Several officials from Lake County and Waukegan shoveled the first piece of ceremonial dirt into the hole. Funds to finance the project come from federal grants from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“One of the ARPA policies included stormwater management; so that was a permitted use. That’s why we pursued the tree planting program,” said Lake County Board member Jessica Vealitzek.

There are other benefits too. The trees also provide oxygen, improve air quality and help cool the heat by providing shade.

“If you have a lot of canopy and more trees, it can make all the difference in the world,” Grooms said.

In Waukegan, the new trees also replace many of the trees the city lost to the emerald ash borer infestation.

“We lost a lot of trees in Waukegan years ago, a lot of ash trees, and we haven't replaced them,” said Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor.

This is Phase 1 of the program. They plan to plant more than 400 trees throughout Lake County this fall, with many more planned for the spring.

This story is part of our Climate Ready series — a collaboration between ABC News and the ABC-owned television networks focused on providing practical solutions to help you and your family adapt to extreme weather events and the current challenges of climate change.