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Barrington Area Conservation Trust

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Barrington Area Conservation Trust

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BACT is an Illinois Land Trust preserving rare & exceptional open spaces & restoring natural habitats

BACT brings important private land protection programs to the Barrington communities, including:
-Conservation easement expertise
-Expansive land protection efforts and funding
-High school education programs
-Heritage Corridor easements to protect scenic roads
-Conservation@Home visits for individual landowners
-Oak Forest Recovery Program
-Equestrian Lands and Trails Program

10/28/2026

A huge thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, staff, and everyone who joined us at Oaktoberfest 2026 to make it a night we won't forget!

Swipe for a recap of the address from Melissa Kinast, director of BACT, on the state of the organization. Then, you will find some excellent photos of the event courtesy of the talented . Next, be sure to tap on the Murley video for a glimpse into their incredible performance!

Oaktoberfest 2026 was such a fun and special evening -- we can't wait to welcome you back to Far Field next year!

Lastly, thank you to all who continue to support BACT's mission of preserving natural spaces across the Barrington area in perpetuity. We couldn't do it without you!

Featured: Canteen Restaurant Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets Roaring Table Brewery Sundial Brewing & Blending

10/15/2026

Oaktoberfest 2026 was an immense success and it's all thanks to our dedicated volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and friends in conservation.

Here are just a few photos of the most perfect evening at Far Field Nature Preserve! A huge shoutout to our sponsors who made this event possible.

Stay tuned for more recaps to come!

10/10/2026

It's Oaktoberfest Eve and we are so excited to welcome you all to our beautiful oak savannah, Far Field Nature Preserve, located on the corner of Old Sutton and County Line Road.

The event runs from 4-8pm and will feature live music by Murley, German-style fare from The Canteen, a variety of craft beers from local breweries, and more.

This is your last chance to secure tickets to an evening you won't want to miss! All proceeds directly support BACT's mission to preserve, restore, and inspire for generations to come.

Visit our website to purchase tickets and sponsorships: www.bactrust.org

Attire is bonfire chic, Western wear, etc. The weather will be perfect!

10/09/2026

There are a limited number of tickets still available for Oaktoberfest 2026 this Saturday, October 10th! Visit our website www.bactrust.org

All proceeds from tickets and sponsorships directly support BACT's mission to conserve and preserve natural spaces across the Barrington area in perpetuity.

See you at Far Field Nature Preserve!

10/07/2026

🌳 OAK TREE SERIES: WEEK 8 OF 8 — THE GRAND FINALE 🌳

We Saved the BEST for Last 👑 🍻

We made it, Barrington! This is officially the GRAND FINALE of our Oak Tree Series, and with just 4 days standing between you and Oak-Toberfest Concert & Biergarten, we're closing it out with the tree that started it all: the legendary WHITE OAK. 🎶 🍺 Let's give this icon its flowers. 🌻 👇

1. This tree didn't just win an award — it won a popularity contest. 🏆 🗳️
White Oak became Illinois' official state tree in 1973 thanks to a vote from 900,000 SCHOOLKIDS. That's right — this tree was literally chosen by the people (well, the tiny people). Certified icon status.

2. Before Barrington was Barrington, this tree was already here. 🌄
White Oak dominated the oak savannas that covered northeastern Illinois long before European settlement. Translation: this tree basically designed the original landscape. Founding Father energy, but make it bark and leaves.

3. It's built different. Like, 300-years-different. ⏳ 💪
Some White Oaks are still standing strong after 300+ years. That means trees alive today could've been SEEDLINGS before the United States was even a country. Let that sink in.

4. It refuses to let go of fall. 🍁 🙅
Most trees drop their leaves and move on. White Oak? It holds on well into winter, flexing color that ranges from warm brown to a deep wine-red, depending on the year. Commitment to the aesthetic.

5. Its name is kind of a plot twist. 🎭
"Alba" means "white" — but it's NOT about white leaves or white wood. It's all about the light ash-gray bark. So no, you're not hunting for a ghost tree out there. Just a very stylish gray one.

🍺 🎉 That's a wrap on our Oak Tree Series! Thank you for nerding out about trees with us all season. Now let's celebrate the right way — see you at Oak-Toberfest Concert & Biergarten! 🌳 🎶

10/06/2026

With Oaktoberfest 2026 coming up in just a few days, there's never been a better time to secure your tickets.

Please visit our website to purchase tickets and sponsorships for our can't-miss event on Saturday, October 10th!

We are excited to welcome you to a fun fall evening of live music, delicious food, local brews, and great company!

10/04/2026

A special thank you to those of you who have so graciously sponsored oak trees this year!

If you are...

🌳Interested in sponsoring an oak tree to be planted in our beautiful oak savannah, Far Field Nature Preserve

Or

🍂 Can't make it to Oaktoberfest 2026 but want to support the organization and its conservation efforts

Please visit our website. Tickets and sponsorships for Oaktoberfest 2026 are still available as well!

See you next Saturday for an evening you won't want to miss 🎉

10/02/2026

Food is an essential element to any great celebration and thanks to The Canteen, Oaktoberfest 2026 is going to be off the chain!

Swipe for a sneak peek at just a few of the delicious eats that you can indulge in at the event on October 10th.

Time is running out to grab your tickets and sponsorships - visit our website www.bactrust.org to secure yours!

09/30/2026

🌳 OAK TREE SERIES: WEEK 7 OF 8 🌳

# The Countdown Is ON! 🍻🎉

We're in the HOME STRETCH of our Oak Tree Series, and only ONE week stands between you and our Oak-Toberfest Concert & Biergarten event! 🎶🍺 So let's give this week's tree the spotlight it deserves: meet the Northern Pin Oak — aka Hill's Oak — and trust us, it's got personality for days. 👇

**1. This tree has an identity crisis and owns it.** 🧬🤷
Scientists USED to think Hill's Oak was basically Scarlet Oak's twin. Now research says it's got way more in common with Black Oak. Even the experts can't agree where this tree belongs on the family tree. Icon behavior.

**2. It thrives where other trees throw in the towel.** 💪🏜️
Nutrient-poor soil? Drought? Sandy, rough terrain? Hill's Oak doesn't just survive — it THRIVES, thanks to roots that dig deep and don't quit. This tree was basically built for tough love.

**3. Its fall glow-up is UNMATCHED.** 🔥🍁
When autumn hits, Hill's Oak turns a dazzling, showstopping red that leaves every other local oak looking basic. If fall foliage had a red carpet, this tree would be walking it.

**4. It refuses to be moved. Literally.** 🌳🚫
Thanks to a deep taproot, Hill's Oak is notoriously hard to transplant. Translation: if you find a mature one, it's been standing in that exact spot for DECADES, living its best rooted life.

**5. This tree is 100% local royalty.** 👑📍
Hill's Oak calls Wisconsin, eastern Iowa, and northern Illinois home — which means Barrington is smack in the middle of its natural turf. Spotting one isn't just cool, it's a hometown win.

🍺🎶 **See you next week** for the FINAL tree in the series — right before we raise a glass (and maybe an acorn) at Oak-Toberfest! 🌳

Address

145 W Main Street, Ste 201
Barrington, IL
60010

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18473873149

Website

http://www.bactrust.org/

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