Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts.
In 2026, 46 counties are participating in the program, planting 1,150 young oak trees on public lands with the help of 4‑H youth and adult volunteer mentors. Each participating county established a new oak savannah consisting of 25 4‑foot oak trees, contributing to a long‑term effort to restore one of Illinois’ most threatened ecosystems.
Over the past five years, the program has created 213 new oak savannahs in 90 counties, making it one of the most extensive youth‑driven conservation initiatives in the state. To date, a total of 5,325 oak trees have been planted by 4-H youth on public properties in their communities.
Historically, Illinois was once 40% forested, with more than 14 million acres of woodland. Today, only 0.01% of the state’s original oak savannahs remain. The Illinois Forest Action Plan (2020–2030) identifies the restoration of oak‑hickory ecosystems as its top priority, underscoring the importance of this work.
“The 4-H Green Communities Program gives young people a hands‑on role in restoring Illinois’ natural heritage,” said Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “These plantings strengthen communities, improve environmental health, and build the next generation of conservation‑minded citizens.”
The program also fosters collaboration between University of Illinois Extension staff and local Soil & Water Conservation Districts, supporting future partnerships in natural resource stewardship.
The long‑term goal is to establish at least one oak savannah in every Illinois county.
Writer and Source: Curt Sinclair, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, sinclair@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.