Tag: Oaks

Let the Sun Shine In

Written on July 20, 2018.

If you drive along Illinois Route 120 between Woodstock and McHenry, you have surely seen the Wolf Oak Woods property. This is the site where “that oak” lives. You know, the large bur oak whose branches touch the ground! The...

Third Generation Oaks

Written on November 8, 2013.

“We are responsible for the third generation of oaks in McHenry County.” Mary Tree McClelland, horticulturist, Glacier Oaks Nursery in Harvard. To Mary’s way of thinking, the first generation of oaks was the one that...

Autumn Color

Written on October 15, 2013.

The season known as fall started September 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. My first clue that autumn’s arrived is the transformation of green fields of soybeans into golden, then brown expanses as the plants die. A drive along...

Oaks are tough, but still need TLC!

Written on September 27, 2013.

Oaks are tough. But they aren’t invincible. On my daily commute between Harvard and Woodstock, there are several majestic oaks I’ve admired over the years that are showing signs of decline, and even a few that have been removed...

A Few Thoughts on Oaks and Climate Change

Written on October 7, 2012.

We worked with a group of 9 volunteers the other day to plant 120 oak trees. While taking a mid-morning donut break, folks were talking about whether or not we should be planting species other than native oaks because of climate...

McHenry County & Biodiversity

Written on June 1, 2012.

“Green infrastructure” – as opposed to traditional built infrastucture like roads – includes the living systems like wetlands and woodlands that provide essential support to our communities in the form...