ATHENS, Ill. – Athens High School CUSD 213 in Menard County is now home to an oak tree savanna thanks to local youth and community members. The group of 25 oak trees, called a savanna, will bring new life to oak-hickory forests currently under threat in Illinois.

The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program focuses on tackling global issues at a local level. University of Illinois 4-H, the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conversation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee and the Illinois Forestry Development Council provide funding for this project.

“Oak savannas are being overtaken by invasive species, as well as more shade-tolerant trees, such as maples,” says Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois Extension 4-H specialist. “Illinois 4-H is primed to take action to increase the number of oak trees in the state. The natural world is talking to us, and Illinois 4-H is primed to listen, learn, and act.”

George Staab with the Menard Soil and Water Conservation District assisted in selection of the site, organization of the project and preparation for the savanna at the Athens Athletic Complex which is a public area within the district.

Over 70 youth took part in the planting in Menard County on April 7 and April 11.  Participant groups were from the Greenview Boosters 4-H Club, Athens FFA, Athens High School biology and advanced biology classrooms.  Youth were teamed with adult volunteers from the Menard Soil and Water Conservation District, Athens High School, University of Illinois Menard County Extension, Starhill Forest Arboretum and Treetop Productions.

“Some students express that what they are covering in a biology class can only be seen in a book or under a microscope.  With the help of this program, youth were involved with planting a tree which is something that most of them had not done before. They were able to take the things they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it while addressing a crucial issue to save oak trees in Illinois.  And, they had fun while doing it!” says Rachel Skelton, biology Teacher at Athens High School and Illinois 4-H alumna.

Throughout the spring of 2023, youth in 38 counties throughout Illinois are planting groupings of 25 oak trees on public properties in their county for a total of 950 newly planted trees across the state, with new plantings totaling 1725 between this year and last year.

The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program follows the "learn-by-doing" philosophy of 4-H and is guided by the priorities of the Illinois Forest Action Plan.  To help support this project, please visit go.illinois.edu/4hgreencommunity.

Prairie Materials provided support for this program.