GLC Oak Recovery Program

GLC Oak Recovery Program begins

The Conservancy program is part of the Morton Arboretum/Chicago Wilderness Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan.   As part of the plan, an oak mapping of Walworth County was recently completed, which shows both the original oak forests and remnants of these forests that are still present today.   The study determined that less than 17 percent of Walworth County’s original oak forests and savannas remain.

More than 500 species depend on oak trees for their existence, according to Ed Collins, Director of Land Preservation & Natural Resources for the McHenry County Conservation District, who spoke at the Conservancy’s April 20 Earth Day luncheon.

“If there is a single lesson that can be drawn from the oak study, it is that even the smallest grove of oaks matter,” said Collins.

Scientific information like the oak study provide the statistical data necessary to identify many of the issues facing the remaining oak groves in our region, according to Collins.

Oak trees define landscape

“What it cannot do is quantify the importance and meaning that these trees have played and continue to play in the lives of the county’s citizens,” Collins said.   “We are the people of the oaks . . .they are a daily feature in our lives.”

This fall, the Conservancy is holding its first native oak tree sale to begin repopulating the county’s oak trees.   All the trees are sourced from a nearby nursery, which grows oaks from local acorns, ensuring the best saplings for growth in Walworth County.

Click here to order trees online or fill out and mail the form below.

GLC Oak Tree Order Form- Deadline for ordering has been extended to August 31st! 

Proceeds will benefit the restoration of GLC’s Hansen Preserve.

Please indicate the number of each tree you would like to purchase below. (Trees will come with planting instructions and oak tree care tips.)

All trees in 5 gallon pots are $75.00. Trees grown in 7 gallon pots are $95.00.

______5 Gal Swamp White Oak. (Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Height at maturity: 50-60’)

______5 Gal Bur Oak (Prefers dry, alkaline soils that are well drained. Height at maturity: 70-80’)

______7 Gal Bur Oak (Prefers dry, alkaline soils that are well drained: Height at maturity: 70-80’)

Both Species provide superior benefits to wildlife, require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and are tolerant of both drought and poor drainage.

All trees can be picked up at the Geneva Lake Conservancy garage, 398 Mill Street, Fontana, WI between September 17 and September 28.

You may order from our Web site or send your check made out to the Geneva Lake Conservancy and this form to PO BOX 588, Fontana, WI 53125.   For questions, call Bob Nordhaus at 262-949-1185.

Name:_____________________________Email:__________________________________

Cell phone:__________________________Check amount:____________________________