Village Voices - We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks

Espenscheid Forest Preserve in Stephenson County is now home to an oak tree savanna thanks to local youth and community members. The group of 25 oak trees, called a savanna, will bring new life to oak-hickory forests currently under threat in Illinois.

The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program focuses on tackling global issues at a local level.

"Oak savannas are being overtaken by invasive species, as well as more shade-tolerant trees, such as maples," says Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois Extension 4-H specialist. "Illinois 4-H is primed to take action to increase the num...