FIELD NOTES BLOG

OAKtober

Elly Salazar
October 9, 2024

October is full of celebrations! Many people are familiar with the Germany born celebration of Oktoberfest, a widely attended festival centered around food, beer, and culture, of which celebrated agriculture in the 19th century. But now, October is celebrated in a variety of ways! Sometimes it’s a one day local event, or a weekend with food trucks and music, but my favorite variation has come from the naturalist community in the form of “OAKtober fest”. This celebration is conservation forward encouraging the appreciation of oak trees and their indisputable ecological value. 


Oak trees are a staple of the midwestern landscape often featured in photographs, paintings, and storytelling. Their sprawling branches and whimsical acorns contribute to their intrinsic beauty but they are also essential ecosystem builders. Oak trees support more fungi, birds, insects, and mammals than any other genus of tree in
North America. This makes them a keystone species and they are imperative to the structure and balance of the ecosystem in almost any environment. There are over 90 species of Oak that call North America their home and over 20 species native to Illinois. Illinois’ state tree is actually the White Oak! 

 


Unfortunately Oak trees are in decline due to climate change and habitat destruction. According to a report by the Morton Arboretum and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), roughly 31% of the world's Oak species are threatened with extinction. Many Oaks have already been lost and this level of degradation would be devastating. But hope is certainly not lost!  The state of Illinois officially recognized the month of October as Oak Awareness Month in 2015. The goal of this designation is to honor the significance of these trees by spreading awareness and promoting OAKtober celebrations all across the state. 


These celebrations have grown in both popularity and diversity since 2015. Some events focus heavily on the educational component introducing conservation practices and Oak identification while others may be more kid friendly with hikes, crafts, and games. The city of
Glen Ellyn includes an Acorn toss and Acorn obstacle course in their celebration! Many of the gatherings also end in an Oak planting to signify the growth and resilience of the species. OAKtober programs have even spread past the borders of Illinois. My college in Iowa hosted an OAKtoberfest event during my junior year and it is still one of my favorite memories! There was a guided nature hike focused on the species and history of oaks on campus, an oak leaf craft, and a Kombucha tasting. It was such a meaningful way to embrace the fall season and offer our respect to a well deserving species. 


For a local celebration you can attend the Natural Land Institute's (NLI) OAKtober hike. Check out their
website for more details! Participating in an OAKtober celebration is one of the many ways you can combat Oak decline and raise awareness for such incredible organisms. If you are unable to attend an OAKtober event there are other ways you can help! You can:


OAKtober is a great way to highlight the importance of the amazing keystone species we are lucky enough to see here at Severson every day. But the fun doesn't have to stop at the end of the month! Oaks can be honored all year long for their intrinsic value as an essential part of the ecosystem and their magnificent presence. Next time you see one of our burly Oak friends, offer it thanks and a happy OAKtober!


RECENT ARTICLES

By Linda Sandquist October 9, 2025
October – a month that starts with changing colors, apple orchards, and pumpkin spice and ends with candy and costumes on Halloween. In between we have the opportunity to observe National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Created in 2008 by an act of Congress and observed every year during the third week of October, the week is a reminder that we all need to prepare for the inevitable. If you’re like two-thirds of Americans, you lack a will or estate plan and the protective measures needed to safeguard your assets, future healthcare decisions or management of your finances. While it’s no fun to think about preparing for what might happen, the peace of mind you’ll experience when you are prepared is well worth the effort. Take time during the week of October 21 – 27 to start making your plans. Consider these things: Who do you want to receive your assets? Who do you want to act as your executor? Who should receive your sentimental items? Who will look after your children or pets? Who is going to make your healthcare and financial decisions if you can’t? Next reach out to a trusted professional. Planning doesn’t have to be expensive and there are many on-line resources that can help you. We at Severson Dells Nature Center encourage you to think about how you want to leave a legacy. Are there causes you care about today that will still need your financial assistance tomorrow? Whether you support nature education at Severson Dells or another cause close to your heart, use your will or estate plan to help them when you’re no longer here. If you love what Severson Dells Nature Center does, consider joining our Heritage Society . This group is made up of folks who have included the nature center in their long-term financial plans. By connecting with them now, we make sure their wishes will be fulfilled and honored when the time comes. And the generosity of Heritage Society members serves as an inspiration to others who care about our mission of connecting people to nature and growing the future stewards of our environment. Contact me with questions about supporting Severson Dells today, tomorrow and far into the future. And Happy National Estate Planning Awareness Week!
September 3, 2025
As the summer camp season comes to a close, creek shoes are dried, crayons are put away, and our staff reflect on their summer of directing and supporting Severson Dells camp. This summer, they led and assisted with 9 weeks of summer camp programs that reached 211 campers! Out of the many adventures this season, here are some of their highlights and what they learned along the way.
By Emma Zimmerman August 26, 2025
When I started at Severson Dells nearly two years ago, I never would have believed I’d still be here today. What was supposed to be a short detour turned into one of the meaningful positions I have served. These years have flown by, and as I sit down to write this farewell, I keep circling back to my early days here. It feels important to revisit that beginning, because in so many ways, it shaped everything that followed.