BYRON, Ill. – Byron Forest Preserve in Ogle County is now home to an oak tree savanna, thanks to local Ogle County 4-H members and community members. The 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.

“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.”

Over 30 Ogle County 4-H members and adults took part in the planting on April 13th, working with staff from the Byron Forest Preserve. Quick work was made to get the trees in the ground.

Throughout the spring of 2024, youth in 43 counties throughout Illinois are planting groupings of 25 oak trees on public properties in their county for a total of 1,075 newly planted trees across the state, with new plantings totaling 2800 between the last three years of the program.

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 https://go.illinois.edu/4hgreencommunity.

Prairie Materials provided support for this program.

SOURCE: Curt Sinclair, Illinois Extension 4-H Natural Resources and Shooting Sports Specialist