Why we plant oaks

The facts can seem overwhelming:

- Nearly 90% of the oak woods that were here in 1837 are gone.

- At the rate things are going, the remaining oaks could be dead in 20 years.

- It takes twenty years for an oak tree planted today to produce its first acorns.

- The remaining oaks are not reproducing either due to:
* improper management of the understory (e.g. allowing species like buckthorn to grow un-checked, or keeping a manicured lawn under the trees),

* effects of animals (e.g. deer browsing young trees, field mice eating acorns), or

* the effects of invasive species on the soil chemistry and the unique web of life needed by an oak's root system.

Yep, it is tough being an oak tree in McHenry County today.

And that's why we plant oaks whenever we can. On 10/10/10, that meant planting 100 oaks around McHenry County with the help of nearly 100 local residents. Those 100 trees will not replace the woods that are at risk today, but by working with local residents to plant trees today, we are teaching a next generation to take ownership for the future of these trees.

Since 2007, TLC has worked with nearly 1,000 local residents of all ages to plant over 1,000 oak trees. Those people can visit the trees they planted, and know that they are part of something bigger - something hopeful - something positive for the future.

It is too easy to get lost in the facts, and to feel overwhelmed, wondering "what can I do? It's hopeless! I can't change things!" But the fact is that every one of us has the ability to do something. Even just one thing, and that WILL make a difference.

Plant an oak. Clear some buckthorn from underneath an oak. Gather acorns in the fall and deliver them to TLC. Support organizations like TLC who are working to save the remaining oak woods, and to help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of these magnificent trees -- just as we do today!

The fact is that there is time. These trees are still with us today - they have lasted long enough for us to learn what they need, and to take action.

Sharing Seed/Building Community

It is amazing how the simple act of collecting seed from someone's natural area can create a lasting bond - a bond that transcends friendship and crosses generations.

The seed donor points out the plants ripe for harvest, warning the collector away from the species that aren't native -- or are just too pushy(1) for a new planting.

The donor urges the collector to take more - there is plenty here, don't be timid - and even gathers seed that he places in the visitor's bag at the end of the outing. This act of generosity is moving in an unexpected way. Somehow, they are more than seeds now, for they represent hours of labor and a commitment to managing this natural area with fire and mowing and weed-pulling.

And the act of sharing seed passes not only the plant species from one place to another, but also the lessons of restoration from one person to the next, helping to ensure that the art and science of natural area management will spread throughout McHenry County along with the seeds...

The annual Seed Sharing Day in Alden Township took place on October 16th this year, bringing seed seekers together with seed sharers. As in years past, the 2010 event was a magical time when private landowners opened their properties to friends and strangers (with a stranger being a friend you don't know yet).

The event is a type of swap meet where those who have seed to contribute bring it along, and those who are seeking seed - either to enhance an existing project, or to seed a new area - are able to "shop" the seed table for species that will make their mix "just right".

Everyone brings along something to eat as well, which encourages people to stop long enough to have a bowl of chili or a few homemade cookies before heading home. And as they eat, they talk and share their experiences, lessons learned - good and bad. And the community grows stronger...

(1) Species like Indian grass and Big blue stem tend to top that list, as they grow well and spread quickly, making it difficult to establish other, less assertive, species!

*Thanks to Cheyenne Raduha for the photos.