River North in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Oaks Are Important

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025

1. Oaks Are Important Marker

Inscription. Native oaks were once a dominant tree species throughout the Chicagoland region. Oaks are a keystone species which hundreds of insects and animals rely on for survival. Wildlife will eat the oak leaves, shoots, and seeds (acorns) - and some will bury acorns, which, if forgotten, can actually help with oak dispersal.

Erected by Chicago Park District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 41° 53.806′ N, 87° 38.334′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in River North. It is on North Sedgwick Street near West Chicago Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on the grounds of the Jesse White Community Center & Field House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL 60654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Native Plants are Important (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Native Plants are Important (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nari Garden (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Nari Garden (about

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500 feet away); Assumption School (approx. ¼ mile away); The Catholic Charities St. Vincent Center (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The marker is one of several related to the environmental history of Chicago that can be found in front of the Jesse White Community Center

Also see . . .
1. The Mighty Oak: Oak Trees of the Chicago Region.

Excerpt: "Before Chicago was established and developed as a city, oak trees were by far the most common type of tree in the area. There are twenty species of oak tree that are native to Illinois, including the white oak, swamp oak, shingle oak, and Chinkapin oak. In 1907, school children voted to make 'native oak' the official state tree of Illinois and in 1973, the white oak became the official state tree."

(Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Jesse White Nature Garden official site. (Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Oaks Are Important Marker in front of the Jesse White Community Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025

2. Oaks Are Important Marker in front of the Jesse White Community Center

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.