Members of Jersey County 4-H Plant 26 Oak Trees at Wock Family Lake to Create Oak Tree Savannah
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Jersey County 4-H Members, Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department representatives and Jersey County Soil and Water Conservation District representatives. (Submitted photo)
Jena Pegram and Kelsey Belcher. (Submitted photo)
Reid Waier, Emma Mossman, Braylee Waier, and Abby Mossman.
Local 4-H Club members recently gathered at Wock Family Lake to plant 26 native oak trees, launching a long-term initiative to establish a vibrant Oak Tree Savannah in the heart of the community.
The event brought together youth members, volunteers, and community leaders for a hands-on conservation project designed to enhance local biodiversity, improve wildlife habitats, and create a lasting legacy for future generations. The planting continues the multi-phase ecological restoration plan at Wock Family Lake.
“Our 4-H members are passionate about making a difference, and this project is a perfect example of youth leading the way in conservation,” said Beth Steckel, Jersey County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. “By planting these oak trees, we’re not only beautifying this public space, but we’re also creating a healthier environment and a living classroom for years to come.”
Oak Tree Savannahs yield unique combinations of light levels, soil moisture, pH, and organic matter which support over 600 species of plants, butterflies and moths, nesting birds and bats, mushrooms, and other species. Oaks are drought and heat tolerant, making them relatively well-adapted to future climate impacts. The chosen oak species of Northern Red Oak, White Oak and Bur Oak or Mossycup Oak were selected for their native adaptability and long-term ecological value.
The project was made possible through support from Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department, Jersey County Soil & Water Conservation District, as well as the dedication of the 4-H youth who prepared the land, planted the trees, and will help monitor their growth over time.
The public is encouraged to visit Wock Family Lake to see the new trees and learn more about the importance of native ecosystems.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
About Extension: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state’s land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy. Learn more at extension.illinois.edu.
