Illinois once held 14 million acres of trees.  Today, Illinois has 5 million acres. 

  “Oak savannas are being overtaken by invasive species, as well as more shade-tolerant trees, such as maples,” Curt Sinclair, 4-H Specialist, Natural Resources says. “In addition, the decrease of beneficial disturbances, such as prescribed fires and proper timber management, also threatens large, mature oak trees.”

Illinois 4-H is ready to tackle these issues through the 4-H Green Communities Tree Program. 

Hands-on community service, conservation, and environmental education are key components of the 4-H Green Communities Tree program.  Bureau County 4-H is partnering with Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District to address the decline of native oak savannas by planting 25 oak seedlings at City County Park in Princeton.  Bureau County is one of 31 counties throughout the state participating in the program.

On Saturday, April 2nd, starting at 10:00 am, planting will begin. Youth and public participation is welcome; those wishing to participate are encouraged to contact Danielle Gapinski, Bureau County 4-H Program Coordinator, at des85@illinois.edu or 815-875-2878. 

A secondary rain date will be Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 pm. 

The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Visit our website at https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp

If you have questions or need more information, please call University of Illinois Extension- Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-875-2878. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please indicate when registering or contact the Extension office. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.