Residents with healthy oak trees can enter contest

The Barrington Area Conservation Trust's Great Oaks of Barrington Contest recognizes people who care for the area's oak trees - from those who plant oaks to those who clear out invasive species beneath the community's long-lived sentinels.

Renowned ecologist and entomologist Doug Tallamy linked a single white oak tree to 534 species of moths and butterflies.

In 2014, the Barrington Area Conservation Trust added the Acorn Award to recognize people who are inspiring others to grow oaks through their own positive example. It also a created a special award to recognize the Most Fascinating (but true) Story behind local oaks.

Age, health, location, classic beauty, and personal story are used to judge the trees. The overall winner receives a free consultation with an oak tree expert to support the oak's long-term health.

Participation in the competition is different each year. Anyone with a healthy oak tree can enter their tree, however, BACT requests that participants who have won awards in previous years not re-enter their winning tree for at least five years.

The greatest award in this contest comes with knowing that you're providing food and shelter for an array of wildlife, especially birds and butterflies that depend on these disappearing giants.

To download an entry form, visit www.bactrust.org. All entries must be received by Monday, March 2.

Want to plant an oak tree? According to Illinois State Museum, there are approximately 20 species of oaks that are native to Illinois. Bur, red, white, and swamp white oaks are just a few species that are common to our area and BACT staff can suggest sources for native oaks.

Through the BACT | Conservation@Home program, you can learn how to successfully reintroduce oaks to your yard or make a better home for those that already exist.

To learn more, call (847) 387-3149.

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