Did you know that Illinois once held 14 million acres of trees, but that number has dropped to 5 million due to modern development practices? Illinois 4-H has partnered with Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help increase the number of oak trees by planting 775 trees in 31 counties across Illinois this spring and help is needed from the community.

“Illinois 4-H is primed to take action to increase the number of oak trees in the state,” University of Illinois Extension 4-H specialist Curtis Sinclair says. “The natural world is talking to us, and Illinois 4-H is primed to listen, learn, and act.”

Create a legacy for generations to come by planting trees to improve our environment and communities. As part of the 4-H Green Communities Trees Program, 4-H and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener's will plant fire-resistant, native oak species in public spaces where the community can enjoy the benefits. These 25 savanna treess will help rebuild our native ecosystems, 3/4 of an acre at a time.

Community volunteers along with 4-H members and their families should come to the Knox County Nursing Home located at 800 North Market Street in Knoxville to help plant oak trees on Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m.

Any question can be directed to Wendy Ferguson, horticulture program coordinator or Nicole Nelson, 4-H program coordinator for Knox County at (309) 342-5108.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Wendy or Nicole. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

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