The Oaks of McHenry County Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

clpdnature: We are archiving this cache to make way for a new cache that will be part of our new geocaching program.

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Hidden : 12/5/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:


You will see some great big oak trees in this park! At one time, oaks were the predominant tree in McHenry County. The images below illustrate the differences in the oak populations between 1835 and 2005.



Shortly after the 1835 federal survey, this area saw an influx of settlers. Those settlers felled large numbers of trees to use as building materials and to clear the land for farming.

Subsequent years have seen oak populations challenged by continued human development, the introduction of non-native invasive species, and some land-management decisions. These pressures have dramatically reduced not only the overall population of oak trees in the area, but have also reduced the number of new oak trees.



Recently, several groups have begun to foster the development of new oaks. For example, the Land Conservancy of McHenry County has a program in which community members are involved in planting and caring for young oak trees. That effort can be viewed in this movie.

At Veteran Acres park in Crystal Lake, you can see some trees that were planted and are being cared for as part of an Eagle Scout project. Also, an area near the Nature Center at Veteran Acres that was formerly mowed is now being allowed to foster young oaks under the canopy of some of the grandest specimens in the park.

The McHenry County Conservation District has produced an excellent documentary called "The Oaks of McHenry County."

The small stand of hardwood trees at Brighton Oaks includes Bur Oaks, White Oaks, and Red Oaks. While you are here, take some time to appreciate the large specimens, and look for the younger oaks too! They represent the future oaks of McHenry County.

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