PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. - Illinois once held 14 million acres of trees, but that number has dropped to five million due to modern development practices. Illinois 4-H has partnered with Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout the state to help turn the tide by planting oak trees.
Locally, Perry County County 4-H and Master Gardeners partnered with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to add a 25-tree oak savanna to the Perry County Fairgrounds to help rebuild our native ecosystems. The savanna includes burr oaks, red oaks, and white oaks planted in a public space where the community can enjoy the benefits.
This project is part of a state-wide effort: The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program. Throughout the season, 1,075 oak trees will be planted in 43 counties across Illinois. 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, visit go.illinois.edu/4hgreencommunity.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.