On April 9, 2022, twelve McHenry County Extension 4-H members and parents assisted the McHenry-Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) with planting 25 oak trees at the Headwaters of the Kishwaukee River in Woodstock, IL.  The trees were provided through a partnership with the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District’s Forestry Committee and the Illinois Extension 4-H Green Communities Tree Program.    

Throughout Illinois and the Midwest, Oak forests are diminishing and being overtaken by less desirable Beech and Maple. This project addresses the diminishing Oak forests and educates youth and community members on the value of native Oak forests and trees to Illinois. Educational signage will be included at the site.    

Funding was provided by the Illinois Forestry Development Council, University of Illinois Extension Foundation and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD). McHenry-Lake County SWCD is one of 31 participating SWCDs throughout the state with a total of 775 trees being planted.

Planters include Jeff Perkins, Michelle Perkins, Michael Perkins, Rebecca Perkins, Allison Perkins, Michele Marcangelo, Mathew Marcangelo, Steve Hoyt, Jaxon Hoyt, Donna Douglas, Jacob Stewart, Josh Douglas, and 4-H Youth Development Coordinator, Michele Aavang.  Photos courtesy of Spring Duffey, McHenry-Lake County SWCD.

News article provided by McHenry-Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)