"Living with Trees" Award Winners

2010 Living with Trees Award

Our "First Class" of Oak Keepers were recognized for three years of Oak Keeping. Pictured are Barb Wilson, Myrna Nelson, Carol Howard, Linda Burkart & Greg Rajsky.

2010 - Ervin Bottlemy

For his livelong devotion to the oak woodlands on his property in Alden.

Pictured are Christine Brewer, Karen Lindow, Judy Speer, Lorraine Bottlemy Davis, Erv Bottlemy, Lauretta Wolf, Dave Zeiger & Jack Speer.

2009 - Mary McClelland, Glacier Oaks Nursery

Mary has brought her valuable expertise to Project Quercus from day one. Her time and energy, plus a growing amount of nursery space, has been donated for several years already, and the project is still in its early stages. She has raised thousands of oaks from the local acorns that are gathered each fall at Acorn Roundup. Thank you, Mary, for your passion & your generous spirit.

2009 - Cynthia Hicks
(Spencer Tauck accepting for Cynthia Hicks)

We choose to recognize these landowners for allowing us to study their woodlands—some of the most unique in McHenry County. In each case, what the Oak Keepers found changed the way we view our local oak woods. The first examples of swamp white oak trees in McHenry county were discovered on Cynthia Hicks land. Prior to this, the species was thought not to occur here.

2009 - Bonnie McConnell

During a visit to Bonnie McConnell’s property that adjoins Cynthia's, a second grove of swamp white oaks was found. In both cases, there are trees that are large enough to be 200 or more years of age.

2009 - Michael Klingenberg

The large number and diversity of truly ancient oaks found on Mike's property led experts from MCCD to conduct a detailed survey of the property. In the process, they discovered a “Witness Tree” as well as several county record-breaking white, bur, red and scarlet oaks, including a grove of 300+ year old red oaks. Thank you to these landowners for opening your properties to the Oak Keepers so that they could document the mysteries contained therein. You have all made important contributions to our understanding of the county’s oak woodlands!

2008 - Dale Shriver

Recognized for his tireless management of nearly 80 acres of remnant oak woods that he owns.

2008 - Robert Roe

For his efforts to restore the fen and oak woods at Dutch Creek--all on land that is protected by a conservation easement in his subdivision, Dutch Creek Estates.

2007 - Nancy Schietzelt

In 2007, 102 trees were planted at four planting events. At the beginning of the year, hundreds of letters were sent to youth groups seeking volunteers and potential reforestation site sponsors. TLC volunteer Nancy Schietzelt coordinated the whole program. She wrote the letters, put the mailing together, and compiled the responses. Nancy then arranged for a group to evaluate several potential planting sites, selecting two for the spring and two for the fall. She organized the youth groups who did the plantings, obtained the tools needed, and worked with the nursery to deliver the seedlings. One person making a huge difference for McHenry County!

2007 - McHenry County Conservation District

One of the challenges in communicating the loss of oak resources with the public and media is accurate information that documents the changes that have taken place over time. MCCD completed a comprehensive study of the County's oak woodlands since the first records were made in the 1830's. Their study shows conclusively that oaks, once covering more than a third of the landscape, today are found on just under 5% of the land in the County. Blocks of oak woods large enough to provide necessary habitat for a wide diversity of uncommon birds and animals--100 acres or larger--have dwindled to just 8 in the entire county. Three of those are located at MCCD sites, but the other 5 are at risk of further fragmentation through development or neglect.

2007 - Village of Lakewood

Greater municipal responsibility for preservation of our oak woods during the development process is one of the goals of Project Quercus. Not only does the Village of Lakewood have an excellent tree preservation ordinance that requires the planting of replacement nut-producing native trees like oaks & hickories, but it also sits on the Project Quercus steering committee and was one of the pilot sites for the oak reforestation program. However, the action that drew the attention of the awards committee was the actual resolution that the Village Board passed to indicate its support for the reforestation program, and its commitment to maintain the trees that were planted on Village property for a period of at least 99 years.

 2006 - Jeanine & Alan Dammann

Recognized for the marvelous restoration they have done on their oak woodland in Bull Valley, and for their decision to dedicate the land as an Illinois Nature Preserve. The dedication will help ensure that the woodland (approx. 10 acres) will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The Dammanns have spent literally hundreds of hours removing buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard and other invasives. In the process, they have uncovered seeps and wildflowers--and they have created a natural area where oaks and hickories are thriving.

2006 - David Hall

A Trout Valley Village Trustee, David single-handedly took on Commonwealth Edison to get the company to utilize appropriate pruning practices when cutting trees in the utility right-of-way. A fungus known as "oak wilt" was being spread to healthy, mature oak trees in the community due to the utility's tree-cutting practices which ignored standards set by the National Arborists Association. At David's urging, Trout Valley adopted an ordinance requiring utilities to follow NAA guidelines by disinfecting cutting tools and not trimming trees during growing months. David continues to urge surrounding communities to adopt similar requirements for tree trimming by utilities. His efforts to reduce the spread of disease among our remaining trees makes a big difference.

2005 - Village of Algonquin

For their "groundbreaking" tree preservation ordinance established to "preserve the aesthetics of our beautiful community," holding developers accountable for preserving and replacing trees that are destroyed, and their recent purchase of 35 acres of land that includes a stand of mature oaks and a beautiful view.

2005 - Susan & Gilbert Tauck

For their decision to donate 30 acres of land to the Marengo Park District that offers residents a place to relax and enjoy nature, and placing a conservation easement on 61 acres of land north of Marengo--a rick oak woodland that is being lovingly restored.

2005 - Honorable Mention
George & Marilyn Johnson and Rich & Renee Dankert

For working together to purchase and protect a spot in Alden Township covered with oak woods that is just gorgeous, and will now be forever free from development.

Honorable Mention - Ed & Dian Robbins

For working with the State Forestry Program to reforest about 6-1/2 acres of their property along Nippersink Creek. Their project is a gift for the future.

Honorable Mention - Village of Cary

For preserving and restoring the Thomas Vieweg Nature Area, providing information on tree care to residents, and their program to replace street trees as they become diseased or die.