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Project Quercus
Quercus\Kwer'kus\, n. [Latin], an Oak

 Protecting the future of our oak-hickory groves (watch)


The Reality:

McHenry County's oak-hickory ecosystem is almost extinct--
Our oak-hickory woodlands have diminished by more than 88.5% since the time of European-American settlement (c. 1837). Oak woods once covered nearly 40% of the landscape, but today are found on barely 4% of the county's landscape.

Most of our oak-hickory woodlands and savannas may be lost in the next 15-20 years, according to area ecologists. The trees we see today are old (many are 200 or more years old), they are under stress from the changing land uses around them, they are rarely protected during the development process, and they are not reproducing due to invasive species like garlic mustard and buckthorn.

With existing trees dying out due to age and environmental stress, and with few young trees to take their places as the large trees die, we are likely to see a dramatic change in the landscape across McHenry County in less than a generation.

Solutions:

There is no simple solution. The future of our region's oak-hickory groves will depend upon the efforts of corporations, governments (local, state and federal), non-profits and individuals. No one agency, governmental jurisdiction, landowner or organization can save our oaks. But as a community, we can ensure that these majestic, sacred witnesses to our history will grace the landscape for our children's children's children.

Project Quercus:

Started in 2006, The Land Conservancy set up Project Quercus to explore our options to protect, preserve and regenerate the oak woods. Project Quercus is a diverse coalition that brings together public and private, government, corporate and non-profit interests, working collaboratively to create solutions to the problem of oak-hickory loss.

The main areas of implementation identified by the group are:

Publicize tree conservation successes through an annual awards program.
- "Living with Trees" award program started in early 2006.
Regulation:
 Develop a model Tree Preservation Ordinance focused on oak-hickory woodlands.
- Initial draft prepared in Spring 2007, currently under revision.
Start planting new oak (hickory) groves/woodlands/savannas.
- Pilot Quercus plantings completed in June and October 2007 as a compliment to MCCD efforts.
Educate landowners about management and protection of existing oak woodlands.
- Workshop held in May 2007, with additional workshops scheduled throughout 2008.
Create an endowment fund to generate resources in perpetuity to fund Project Quercus.
- Third Generation Oak Fund started in August 2007.
Determine the historical and current status of oaks in McHenry County.
- MCCD study completed in 2007.

If we don't protect our land, who will? Join us!

The opportunities to participate are abundant:

  • z Contribute to the Third Generation Oak Fund
  • z Nominate a Quercus regeneration site
  • z Volunteer your youth group to plant and adopt a new Quercus grove
  • z Advocate for your community to adopt strong oak preservation requirements
  • z Restore your oak woods or volunteer to restore publicly-owned woods
  • z Nominate an individual, business or community for the "Living with Trees" award
  • z Volunteer for a county-wide oak monitoring program
  • z Send us YOUR ideas!


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