Sadly, oak trees are not only struggling in Illinois, but worldwide. In October of , Governor Bruce Rauner first proclaimed the month of October Oak Awareness Month, to highlight this crucial tree species that is in decline. This month, the Chicago Region Trees Initiative CRTI , a coalition of environmentally-focused area organizations across seven counties in Illinois, raises awareness of this beautiful, endangered tree with its OAK-tober campaign. Oak trees are a keystone species , meaning they are trees that entire ecosystems depend on for survival and habitat.
Doug Tallamy, professor of entomology at Delaware University and author of the groundbreaking gardening book Bringing Nature Home , noted that over species of Lepidoptera caterpillars butterflies and moths are supported by native oaks— more than any other tree species. Insects play a crucial role in the food web, acting as a food source for birds and their young, as well as many other species of animals. Oak trees are beautiful. Most oaks turn a red, reddish brown, or yellow brown color in fall.
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Acorns from oak trees provide food to over animals. Wow, but think about it. Trees provide shelter for nesting birds and squirrels. A single oak tree provides food mostly in the form of leaves for over different caterpillars.
By comparison, how many animals do you think a Bradford pear, which is not native and invasive, supports? True, they have nectar that pollinators can use but no caterpillars eat their leaves. And no caterpillars means fewer or no baby birds! But do I really want a bunch of creepy caterpillars in my yard?
You bet if you want birds. A chickadee pair must feed its babies over 6, caterpillars in one season to raise them. Since all baby birds need caterpillars to fledge they are too young to eat seeds , you need a lot in your backyard to keep them healthy! And what about trees that have died? Dead trees are the second most important tree for animals to thrive. By providing shelter and nutrients to over critters. Think salamanders, beetles, rabbits, and many, many more.
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