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s e i c e p S e n o s t y e aK ENCOURAGING THE REGENERATION OF OAKS The oak tree is a keystone species of our woodlands. Wildlife relies on its branches and cavities in its trunk for shelter, its bark for camouflage, its acorns for food. Native plants grow in the sunlight streaming through its crown. People travel on trails through oak woodlands, releasing stress and absorbing beauty. Without oaks, these ecosystems would change drastically. Now in its fifth year, our Woodland Habitat Restoration Project has improved the health of oak woodlands along the Des Plaines River in southeastern Lake County. Lessons we’ve learned along the way have informed our plans in other forest preserves. LAK E COUNTY FOR E ST PRE S E RVES
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