The Kane County Forest Preserve District has two meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day, on April 18 in Elgin and on April 22 in St. Charles.

Really, when you think about it, what better way to celebrate Earth Day in Kane County than by planting oak trees? Oaks once dominated the forests of Kane County, providing invaluable benefits to ecosystems, watersheds, air quality and overall environmental and human health, and oak woodland data show a decline in oak populations over the last 75 years. Here’s your chance to do something to reverse that trend.

Maybe the only thing that you can do that would be even better is to instill in children a love and appreciation of nature — an Earth Day gift that literally will last a lifetime. That opportunity comes April 22 at LeRoy Oakes.

Tree-Planting Event

• When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18
• Where: Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve, 39W933 Russell Road, Elgin

The Forest Preserve District will dig the holes if you’ll plant the trees!

Join Forest Preserve District staff and volunteers to help plant hundreds of oaks. Simply plant the trees in pre-dug holes, water and mulch. It’s easy! This event is perfect for individuals, families, Scouts or other groups.

Plant as many trees as you like. Be sure to arrive at 10 a.m. sharp! We’ll plant trees until 1 p.m. or until we run out of trees — whichever comes first!

Groups of 10 or more, please contact the Kane County Forest Preserve District’s volunteer coordinator at 630-762-2741 or volunteer@kaneforest.com to RSVP. Groups of less than 10 do not need to register.

Earth Day Hike

• When: 10 a.m. to 1  p.m. Tuesday, April 22
• Where: Creek Bend Natures Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles

Join naturalists from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for a guided hike through LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.

Naturalists will help you explore the woods and prairie and look for wildlife and wildflowers during this special walk. There will be hands-on activities and stories along the trail. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages.

Be sure to register in advance for this fun, free nature program. Call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com for information or to register.

SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District