Stephenson County 4-H along with the Stephenson County Soil & Water Conservation District & the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation (JAPF) are working to help save the planet, one oak savanna at a time.  All youth who love to be outdoors and explore nature are invited to come out and help plant an oak tree in rural Orangeville.  On Saturday, April 20 at 9 a.m. at the Butterfly Farm, located at 10405 Bellview Rd. Orangeville, IL. This opportunity is open to all youth, whether a 4-H member or not, and will help youth learn to identify an oak tree, how to properly plant an oak tree, and learn about the benefits trees offer us and our community.

“Research shows that nature provides youth with creativity, discovery, and STEM education.  We have a great variety of forest preserves, state parks, and hiking trails here in northern Illinois, one of them being right outside of Orangeville. This oak savanna tree planting will benefit youth today in understanding the importance of community service and environmental awareness that will last for many years to come,” states Brenda Heimann, Stephenson County 4-H Program Coordinator.

Illinois 4-H offers Forestry as part of its natural resources project area.  The 4-H Forestry program drives youth in a positive direction that creates a positive environmental impact.  Through this project, youth will gain a sense of leadership and civic engagement as they learn together with adults in their community to help make a difference in rebuilding the numbers of trees across Illinois!

To register for this event please visit https://go.illinois.edu/butterflyfarm. There is no cost to participate.  For more information contact University of Illinois Extension- Stephenson County, (815)235-4125, and ask for Brenda.