Blast From the Past: Witness Trees of Illinois

St. James Farm Forest Preserve

July 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Discover the special place oak trees have in the history of Illinois and local ecosystems. Used by surveyors in the early 1800s, witness, or bearing trees, were sought out as landmarks for creating the earliest state land surveys and plat maps. Some of these trees are still standing today and can be used as a lens to bridge the gap between science and social studies. Through a variety of activities, learn the role these trees played in the urbanization of Illinois, why they are still important today, and how oak trees are critical to local ecosystems. Then complete a STEM-based learning project to catalog potential witness trees and conduct a tree survey. Take ideas back to the classroom to get your students engaged in similar data collection projects at school. Supplemental classroom resources and materials will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.