Our Programs
April is Earth Month!
Sunday Workdays at Kuechmann Arboretum 🌿
Join us on Sundays in April from 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM to help restore our local woodlands! We’ll be removing invasive plants like Garlic Mustard and Dame’s Rocket—easy to pull and a great way to support native habitats. No experience needed—just bring gardening gloves, a water bottle, and clothes that can get dirty. Snacks provided!
📍 Location: Kuechmann Arboretum (meet at the main entrance)
📅 Dates: April 7, 14, 21, & 28
🔗 RSVP: Sign up here
All ages welcome—see volunteer details for youth participation. Help us keep our green spaces healthy! 🌱
Buckthorn Bounty
We need you! We’re paying citizens* to help protect the local ecosystem by removing the invasive species Buckthorn (rhamnus cathartica) from their private properties.
*At this time we are only accepting applications from residents within the 60047. Sign up is free!
Save the Monarchs
The monarch butterfly population has declined by 90% in the last decade, mainly due to the loss of milkweed habitat and pesticide use. The Save the Monarch program aims to reverse this by empowering people to help restore monarch habitats in their own backyards. The Ancient Oaks Foundation is leading this effort in Ela Township, with several butterfly-friendly gardens already established. To help, we are offering free milkweed seeds (while supplies last), as these plants are vital for monarch reproduction. Contact us to receive your free packet and help support monarchs.
Birdbox Sponsorship
AOF maintains 7 bird nesting boxes around the Ela Township area. Become a birdbox sponsor today for $75 annually.
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Plaque on the bird box displaying your family or company name (Sponsored By/In Memory of)
Recognition on AOF website for one year
Recognition in email and social media communications
Periodic snapshots of your sponsored bird box activity
Nesting locations for Eastern Bluebird and other birds
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Annual maintenance needs
Opportunities to build more bird boxes
Funding for additional/other habitat structures and nature activities
Environmental Scholarship
About
The Ancient Oaks Foundation is offering a $2,000 Environmental Scholarship for students pursuing a career in environmental or natural sciences.
Eligibility: Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university and pursue a career related to preserving the environment or in environmental/natural sciences.
To Apply
Complete the application form.
Email (3) letters of recommendation from non-relatives to info@ancientoaksfoundation.org.
Submit a 300-400 word essay on your motivation, goals, and experiences related to environmental studies.
Upload your transcript.
Deadline
April 22, 2025. All applicants will be notified after the deadline. Scholarship recipients will receive a check. For questions, email info@ancientoaksfoundation.org.