Illinois' 200th birthday is quickly approaching and the Illinois State Historical Society has a fun program planned that calls back to an early American settler who made his mark on the state. The ISHS has partnered with Guy Sternberg with the Starhill Forest Arboretum to plant apple trees in honor of the man who inspired the story of Johnny Appleseed.

Gwen Podeschi with the Illinois State Historical Society joined the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show to discuss the partnership. Although many think Johnny Appleseed is just a legend, he was actually inspired by a real living person.

The two groups were able to grow a string of apple trees stemming from one of the original Johnny Appleseed trees, and hope to be able to plant one of those trees in every county in the state.

The trees are being sold for fund raising purposes only, and are available through the ISHS for $50 each. Trees will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, and come with a letter of authentication from the Society and Arboretum