Big Woods: Tree Donation

A Living Gift for Tomorrow's Woodlands

What better way to honor someone than by planting a tree in their honor as a living legacy. Donate native trees and shrubs to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or to help restore the oak savannas and woodlands of McHenry County. Donations from conservation-minded individuals, youth clubs, organizations, small businesses and corporations will help to preserve and restore our treasured woodlands for the enjoyment of future generations.

With your help, the Conservation District will purchase native trees and shrubs and plant them each fall on District sites where reforestation efforts are underway. The last few years plantings have been conducted at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area in Marengo.  The Conservation District accepts donations for trees throughout the year. Those who make donations are invited to come out to the tree “planting party” typically hosted the 2nd Saturday in October (not required).  

Your donations of $50 will purchase and plant two oak/hickory/or other native tree, or associated woodland shrub.
Please note: Trees are not marked or receive a plaque in any way.  Donors names and/or those planted in celebration or in memorial are  printed in the District’s Landscapes magazine each fall as part of the annual report.

Big Woods Brochure

In 1837, approximately 143,000 acres in McHenry County was once covered by some type of oak ecosystem. Today, less than 18,000 acres remain—an oak loss of over 87%, according to The Oaks of McHenry County. Through this program, we plan to restore and recreate the “big woods” of McHenry County.