Sponsor tree planting

Now is the time to make a difference in your community by participating in the Planting for Tomorrow reforestation program at Coral Woods Conservation Area near Marengo.

Individuals, families, schools and groups are encouraged to sponsor the donation of a tree that will go toward replanting 25-acres of the 407-acre site.

Coral Woods Conservation Area is one of the largest remaining wooded areas in McHenry County, encompassing 407 acres of red, white and bur oaks as well as sugar maple trees.

Yet as a result of more than a century and a half of intense land use, the once vast 3,000 acre woodland has been reduced to a fraction of what it once was.

The "Planting for Tomorrow" program is designed to help Coral Woods to continue its natural process of regeneration.

"This program allows the public to get involved and contribute to the greater role of conservation while also ensuring that the remaining woods will exist for generations to come," said Wendy Kummerer, Communications Manager for McHenry County Conservation District.

Donations for the fall 2008 planting will be accepted until April 25.

A variety of oak and hickory seedlings 3 inches tall will be planted for a fee of $30 per tree, $75 for three trees or $100 for five trees.

To make a donation, call (815) 338-6223 or download a form from the Web site at www.MCCDistrict.org.

Donations also will be accepted at MCCD's Earth Day Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. April 19 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.

All spring donors are invited to participate in the tree planting scheduled for Sept. 26 at Coral Woods Conservation Area.