2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the University of Illinois Plant Clinic. We'll be celebrating 40 years of service to Illinois all season long. Follow us on Facebook and here on the blog for updates!
This year we're organizing an anniversary program called 40 Years: 40 Oaks. We're asking individuals or groups from across Illinois to sponsor their favorite oak tree for the season. We'll ask you to collect some preliminary data and update us with pictures and notes the first week of each month through the growing season. We estimate this will take 15-30 minutes once a month.
This is a great opportunity to gain feedback on the health of the oak tree and highlight the importance of trees to your community. This can also be a way to encourage youth to connect with nature. By participating in this project you will:
Please read through these frequently asked questions, and consider being part of the program! To nominate a tree, click here. You can also email the Plant Clinic at plantclinic@illinois.edu for a print-friendly flier with the FAQs and a nomination form to print and distribute in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why oaks? Illinois has 21 native species of oaks, and the State Tree of Illinois is the White Oak. Oaks are appreciated for their large mature size, distinctive leaves, and for the acorns they produce in fall.
What sort of trees are you looking for? Ideally, trees will be located in public areas where everyone can enjoy them. They should have some sort of importance to the community; they could be older trees, or an unusual species of oak, or planted in a prominent location, or planted to commemorate an important event. There is no age requirement for the tree; even young trees can be sponsored.
What sort of information will I be asked to provide? Once the program starts in April we will ask you to measure the diameter of the tree and the height (full instructions and most supplies will be provided). Once the growing season starts you will provide a few pictures and notes emailed to the Plant Clinic once a month until the end of the season.
What are the benefits of participating in this program? By sponsoring an oak, you will draw attention to the importance of trees to your community. You will gain experience in collecting tree data and in scouting for pests and problems, and provide valuable information about what issues are affecting oaks across Illinois. You will also gain feedback on the health of the oak. Depending on your group, this may give you an opportunity to work with youth and encourage their interest in nature and the environment.
The Plant Clinic will provide full instructions for data collecting and scouting, publications on common oak problems, and a sign designating the tree as a Sentinel Oak in the 40 Years: 40 Oaks program.
What is the cost to participate? There is no charge other than your time and enthusiasm.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline to apply is Friday, March 25, 2016.
How do I apply? There are 3 ways to nominate your tree: