Volunteers needed to restore 350-year-old oak tree
Before the fireworks fly on the Fourth of July, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County invites volunteers and friends to start a new tradition by helping to restore Wolf Oak Woods, 9100 Route 120 in Woodstock, from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 4. Lunch will be served.
Volunteers will work alongside land stewardship volunteers and TLC staff to restore the site of the Wolf Oak, a 350-year-old oak tree. Land restoration involves hauling and burning brush on the site and removing invasive species. TLC recommends wearing comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for walking over uneven ground.
The Wolf Oak is unique in that its branches sweep down to the ground on all sides. It is an important ecological relic that embodies the structure and form of vast oak savannas from before the time of settlement.
The tree, clearly visible from Route 120, has become a cultural icon throughout McHenry County. The preserve also protects more than eight acres of wetland and more than 18 acres of savanna and oak woodland. The woodland has an amazing array of remnant, native wildflowers such as shooting star and Dutchmans breeches.
Interested, but can't make the July 4 event? Other workdays are available. Check the calendar online at www.conservemc.org/.
Call for artists
The Land Conservancy is calling for artists to submit their work to the 10th annual Art of the Land art show and fundraiser, set for 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Starline Factory, 300 W. Front St., Suite 204E, Harvard.
Since 2009, Art of the Land has raised more than $115,000 to support TLC's land preservation work in McHenry County. Thirty percent of the proceeds from art sold is retained by TLC.
Artists' work must be consistent with the theme of "art that reflects or is inspired by the local landscape and all that it provides." Accepted mediums include original artwork, painting, drawing and other hanging art, photography, limited edition prints, ceramics, glass, sculptural pieces, basketry, fiber, paper, metal and wood. The Best of Show award is $250, while second and third place are $100 each.
There is a jury fee of $25 to submit up to five pieces of work. Entries will be juried from digital images sent to TLC, and all entries must be for sale at the show.
The deadline is Sept. 21. Entries timestamped after this date will not be accepted into the show. Registration is available online at artoftheland.org, with full rules and guidelines.
TLC is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land. For information, visit www.conservemc.org.