Youth Plant 50 Oak Trees Through Illinois 4H Conservation Partnership

By Editor | May 6, 2026 |

Youth participate in a tree planting project at a westcentral Illinois park as part of an Illinois 4H partnership with Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The group planted oak trees that will support wildlife and local ecosystems for years to come. (Submitted photo)

Youth across westcentral Illinois are making a lasting impact on their communities through handson conservation projects. Through two recent tree planting events, young people working with Illinois 4H planted 50 oak trees in local parks, strengthening natural spaces while building skills and confidence through real-world learning.
In the first event, 4H members and Cloverbuds from Hancock and Adams counties gathered at WeinbergKing State Park, where they worked alongside family members to plant 25 oak trees. A total of 15 youth participated, helping enhance wildlife habitat while contributing to the long-term health of the park.
A local park ranger praised the effort, noting that “programs like this promote kids getting outside and enjoying the park.” He also shared that experiences like these help spark long-term interest in the outdoors, adding that similar opportunities played a role in shaping his own career.
A second tree planting followed at the Carthage park, where 35 sixth grade students from Carthage Middle School took part in a handson conservation project. With guidance from an Illinois Master Naturalist volunteer, students connected classroom learning to realworld environmental stewardship before working together to plant an additional 25 oak trees.
Both events were made possible through an ongoing partnership between Illinois 4H and Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which has engaged youth in multiple tree planting projects focused on conservation and community improvement.
For the youth involved, the impact was personal and forwardlooking. One student shared excitement about seeing the results of their work over time, saying, “We’re going to come back in like a bunch of years and these trees will all be huge!” Another reflected on the broader purpose behind the project, adding, “We’re helping change the earth, one tree at a time.”
“These projects show how youth can make tangible contributions to their communities while building skills, confidence, and a connection to the natural world,” said Madeline Davis, Hancock County 4-H Program Coordinator. “The trees planted today will provide benefits for decades to come.”
Through education, volunteer support, and strong partnerships, Illinois Extension continues to engage youth in hands-on learning experiences that support conservation, community well-being, and the next generation of environmental stewards.
For more information about 4H programs and upcoming events, visit go.illinois.edu/abhps4H
About Illinois 4-H:Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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.