Kane County to plant 500 native trees for Earth Day at Fabyan Forest Preserve

Celebrate Earth Day by helping plant 500 native trees and shrubs at Fabyan Forest Preserve on Saturday, April 18.

Volunteers will place trees and shrubs in pre-dug holes, backfill and tamp down soil, then add water and mulch. The activity is designed to be easy for volunteers of all experience levels.

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive no later than 10 a.m., as trees and shrubs typically go quickly. The event goes until noon or once all the trees and shrubs are planted, and sometimes, that’s within the first hour.

As native trees and shrubs support the health of local ecosystems and enhance habitat for wildlife, Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur said he hopes to see a large crowd at Fabyan for the event.

“This year marks the 56th anniversary of Earth Day. While people recognize this awareness day in different ways across the globe, here in Kane County, volunteers, staff and elected officials usually mark the occasion by planting native trees where they once stood.

“We’ve been celebrating Earth Day with planting events for more than 25 years. Trees from each of those plantings are still standing — cleaning the air, decreasing pollution, and providing habitat for wildlife. I hope a lot of volunteers join us to take part in caring for our shared planet,” Haberthur said.

Native species to be planted include white oak, bur oak, Pagoda dogwood, sugar maple, hazelnut, nannyberry and Blackhaw viburnum.

This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals, families, Scout troops, youth groups, and organizations alike. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves.

In addition to the planting activity, the event will include a naturalist-guided hike, and environmental education activities. There will also be commemorative Earth Day pins for the first 250 volunteers.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required for individuals or small groups. Groups of 10 or more are asked to register in advance by contacting the district’s volunteer coordinator Robb Cleave at (630) 762-2741 or cleaverobb@kaneforest.com.

The easiest access to the planting area is directly off Fabyan Parkway. The district is asking people to park behind the Recycling Center, 517 E. Fabyan Pkwy. in Batavia. Staff will then guide you to the planting areas. ADA-accessible parking and restrooms will be available.

For more information, visit kaneforest.com, or follow the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on social media by searching @forestpreserve.