Rock River Trail is distributing 10,000 oak trees from Living Lands and Waters

swamp oak tree rock river trailCelebrate Arbor Day by planting a free oak tree and learning how to help the Monarch butterfly by planting milkweed. For the fifth year in a row, the Rock River Trail Initiative (RRTI) will distribute 11,825 trees in the 11 counties of the Rock River, April 22, April 23 and April 24. Chad Pregracke, president of Living Lands and Waters’ One Million Trees program, has donated these trees to the Rock River Trail Initiative and our river. Scroll to bottom of this article for tree delivery information.

UPDATE – April 19!

  • We’ve received a total of 11,825, including 1100 Burr Oaks!
  • 1925 Black oak–per county 175
  • 1100 burr oak–per county 100
  • 2200 red oak–per county 200
  • 4400 swamp white oak–per county 400
  • 2200 white oak 200–per county

Efforts to make 320-mile course of the Rock River a Monarch butterfly corridor

For the second year, the RRTI will also distribute information about regional sources for milkweed seeds for the propagation of the endangered Monarch butterfly, with the goal of making the monarch milkweed rock river trail photo credit Wikipedia (Custom)320-mile course of the Rock River a Monarch butterfly corridor. While oak trees have been the RRTI calling card for the last five years, the Rock River Trail Initiative’s main goal was to found a National Water Trail along the 320 miles of the Rock River, from its source above the Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin to its mouth at the Quad Cities in Illinois. This was achieved March 11, 2013, when Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvins made the designation including the Rock River Trail in the National Water Trail System. Out of 19 national water trails, the Rock River Trail was the 10th trail in the nation to achieve such a distinction.

Also in 2013, the Wisconsin and Illinois state legislatures designated the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route on roads adjacent to the Rock River’s course in both states. The RRTI has recently completed q-sheets (turnby-turn directions) and map for a bike route along the Rock River. The RRTI is also working with Winnebago County’s WinGIS department on producing a hiking map.

According to availability, each county will receive 364 swamp white oak, 182 black oak, 182 red oak and 182 red oak.

Each sapling is 2 to 4 feet long, rooted. The trees will be distributed in Rock Island, Henry, and Whiteside counties April 22; Lee, Ogle, Winnebago, Rock, and Dane counties April 23; and Jefferson, Dodge and Fond du Lac counties April 24. Depending on the temperature, the delivery may be more prompt. Each county will have its own distribution schedule for the public. With the only caveats being the trees must be planted within sight of the Rock River or near the mouth of one of its tributaries, each of the 11 counties will get at least 910 trees.

With 455 trees slated for the public sector: city, county, state, and national parks, preserves or conservation areas, the other 455 trees are slated for farms, residences and businesses along the Rock River—all free of charge. Many thanks to all of the great folks who have helped so much in all counties, especially Chad Pregracke and Ashley Stover. Thanks to Penske Truck Rentals in Rockford, Ill., for donating an 8,000-pound capacity truck for the pick-up and delivery of the oak trees.  Special thanks to the City of Rockford and Mayor Lawrence “Larry” J. Morrissey for the donation of $500 for fuel costs, and thanks to Thrift-Remsen Printers for instruction sheet printing.

Click here for Living Lands and Waters oak tree planting instruction sheet


 

DELIVERY SCHEDULE, CONTACTS AND LOCATIONS

TARGET DELIVERY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

In Rock Island County, the distribution point will be at Black Hawk State Historic Site maintenance shop, 1510 46th Ave., Rock Island, Ill., April 24,1 to 5 p.m. If this time is inconvenient, contact the Rock Island County RRTI Council Member Dean Mathias, (309) 737-8429, e-mail mathiasdeandeb@peoplepc.com.

For Henry County while supplies last, contact Dorothy and Carles Brown of the Natural Area Guardians 309-441-5314 or cardor@geneseo.net.

For Whiteside County while supplies last, contact Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District Resource Conservationist Dave Harrison, USDA Bldg., 16255 Liberty St., Morrison, IL 61270, 815-772-2124 (Ext. 3). The Rock River Trail Initiative Council Member for Whiteside County is Loren Swartleym, 815-626-5003 lswartley@att.net. and Matthew Hilligoss, 563-219-1298, mrhilligoss@gmail.com


TARGET DELIVERY THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

For Lee County while supplies last, contact Carol Chandler director of Dixon’s Tree Committee. Phone: 815-288-6310. The Rock River Trail Initiative council member for Lee County is Debbie Thompson, also board member for The Next Picture Show Gallery, artist and canoeist. Phone 815-440-1476.

For Ogle County while supplies last, contact Byron Forest Preserve District Executive Director Todd Tucker,
7993 N. River Road, Byron, IL 61010-9533, 815-234-8535. The Rock River Trail Initiative council members
for Ogle County are President and Vice President of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association Drs. Bob and
Sonia Vogl, 815-732-7332, and Oregon Park District Recreation Program Manager Candice Holbrook, 815-
732-3101.

For Winnebago County while supplies last, distribution of the trees will be on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as supplies last at RPD Trolley Station, 302 N. Madison.

From 8 a.m to noon, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) as part of the Great American Clean Up will offer trees at:

  • Rockton Village Green Park, 149 E. Chapel St., Rockton
  • Roscoe Public Works Building, 5402 Swanson Road, Roscoe
  • South Beloit Fire Station, 149 Gardner St., South Beloit
  • New Milford Village Hall, 6771 11th St., New Milford

The Rock River Trail Initiative council members for Winnebago County are Rockford Park District Executive Director Emeritus and Historian Webbs Norman, President of the Illinois Paddling Council Tom Lindblade and The Rock River Times Editor & Publisher Frank Schier, 815-670-6440.

For Rock County while supplies last, contact County Conservationist Thomas Sweeney, USDA – Service Center, 440 N. U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53546, located in the USDA Service Center on Highway 14, east of Janesville. To reserve trees in Rock County, ask for Norm Pat at 608-754-6617, ext. 3. Trees will be ready for distribution Friday, April 24, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Rock River Trail Initiative council members for Rock County are City of Beloit City Councilor Sheila De Forest, phone (608) 312-2695, and Rock County Parks Communications Coordinator Dave Hoffman, phone (608) 757-5473.

In Dane County while supplies last, the distribution point will be the offices of Dane County Land and Water
Resources Department, 1 Fen Oak Court, Room 208, Madison, WI 53718 ; Contact Pete Jopke by phone at
608- 224-3733 or e-mail to jopke@countyofdane.com. The Dane County Rock River Trail council member is Dave Schreiber, principal, Schreiber/Anderson Associates, phone (608) 255-0800.


TARGET DELIVERY FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

For Jefferson County while supplies last, contact Land & Water Conservation Department Director Mark Watkins, 320 S. Main St., Rm.113 Jefferson, WI 53549, 920-674-7110 or 920-674-7111. The Jefferson County Rock River Trail Initiative council members are Rock River Coalition Secretary and Director James Kerler, phone 920- 648-8005, and Jefferson County Parks Department Director Joe Nehmer, phone 920- 674-7260.

In Dodge County while supplies last, the distribution point will be the offices of Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Department, 127 E. Oak St., Juneau, WI 53039; Contact Dan Schultz at 920-210-4473 or Rock River Trail council member Bill Ehlenbeck at 920- 386-3702 or e-mail to behlenbeck@co.dodge.wi.us.

In Fond du Lac County while supplies last, contact City of Waupun Director of Public Works and Rock River Trail Initiative council member Dick Flynn, 201 E. Main St., Waupun, WI 53963. Distribution will be at the City Garage, 903 N. Madison, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Phone 920-324-7918 or e-mail: dick@cityofwaupun.org.

For Jefferson County while supplies last, contact Land & Water Conservation Department Director Mark Watkins, 320 S. Main St., Rm.113 Jefferson, WI 53549, 920-674-7110 or 920-674-7111. The Jefferson County Rock River Trail Initiative council members are Rock River Coalition Secretary and Director James Kerler, phone 920- 648-8005, and Jefferson County Parks Department Director Joe Nehmer, phone 920- 674-7260.

In Dodge County while supplies last, the distribution point will be the offices of Dodge County and Resources and Parks Department, 127 E. Oak St., Juneau, WI 53039; Contact Dan Schultz at 920-210-4473 or Rock River Trail council member Bill Ehlenbeck at 920- 386-3702 or e-mail to behlenbeck@co.dodge.wi.us.


LIVING LANDS & WATERS’ SEEDLING PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Click here for Living Lands and Waters oak tree planting instruction sheet

**Soak trees in water ONE day before planting, but make sure tree stays in bag until then!**
Keep watering the bag until you see the buds swelling and then plant them–that’s the optimum time.

1. Scout out an area for your tree that is clear from power lines, other trees, buildings and anything else within 30 feet from tree. Call your utilities to have them mark for underground utilities. If necessary, obtain permission to plant in your desired area.

2. Dig a hole, at least 2 times the width of the root system, so the roots can spread without crowding.

3. Turn the soil up to 3 feet in diameter around your hole to help promote root growth.

4. Place the tree in the hole, with the top of the roots just under the soil line. Make sure the roots are spread out in their natural direction. Do not plant with packing materials.

5. Partially fill the hole with dirt, firm the soil around the lower roots making sure not to break them. Use water to help reduce air pockets.

6. Fill the rest of the hole up, making sure the root collar is at the soil line, and pack firmly. Do not pack too tightly as this may break roots and slow root growth.

7. Water the tree with plenty of water, making sure to water the entire planting area.

8. After the water has soaked in, place mulch around the tree within 1inch of touching the tree. Mulch is important for retaining moisture and keeping weeds down.

9. Water your newly planted tree every week or 10 days during the first year. Water slowly around the drip line. (The drip line is defined by the farthest reaching leaves/branches.)

10. Enjoy your new oak tree!

LIVING LANDS & WATERS’ MILLION TREES PROJECT
With 600,000 trees planted so far, the goal of the Million Trees Project is to grow and plant 1 MILLION trees during the next 5 years! We are growing native hardwood nut-bearing trees that will benefit our rivers and communities. Visit our website for details and more information about this exciting project: www.livinglandsandwaters.org

Some great facts about TREES!

  • Provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife
  • Reduce air pollution
  • Provide shade and conserve energy
  • Reduce soil erosion
  • Roots help reduce the amount of pollution and run-off entering our creeks, rivers, and streams
  • Trees are just plain beautiful and increase aesthetics everywhere they are planted
  • An oak tree can reach up to 100 feet tall and its branches can reach up to 100 feet wide.

WHAT GOES INTO GROWING OUR TREES?
There are many behind-the-scenes activities that require a lot of organization, coordination, time and manpower that contribute to each and every seedling that is given away. We hope, therefore, that you take care of it and are able to give it the attention it deserves.