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 trees will help rebuild our native ecosystems, 3/4 of an acre at a time.

Community volunteers along with 4-H members and their families can come to Patton Park in Macomb to help plant oak trees on Saturday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m.

Any question can be directed to Chris Enroth, horticulture educator or Beth Chatterton, 4-H program coordinator for McDonough County at (309) 837-3939.

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

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