Volunteers plant oaks in Kane County preserve
Hundreds of volunteers left the beaten path and ventured into pastures of Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve in Elgin Saturday for the second straight year to plant trees.
More than 400 oak trees were planted into pre-dug holes at the Kane County Forest Preserve property.
"We wanted to do something for the community and this is the perfect opportunity," said Michele Young of Batavia, who was there with her teenage daughter Shauna White volunteering their time.
Andy Olnas, a restoration technician with the Kane County Forest Preserve District, showed volunteers the correct way to plant the trees.
Three different types of oaks were planted, along with a few token Kentucky coffee trees.
"Today is not just for fun," said Kane County Forest Preserve Director of Natural Resources Drew Ullberg. "It's about getting out and planting a tree."
The annual event was planned around Earth Day.