DEC has been receiving reports of dead and quickly-dying eastern larch/tamarack trees (Larix laricina) in the Adirondack region. Upon inspection, the trees have been found to be infested with the eastern larch beetle (Dendroctonus simplex LeConte) an insect native to New York State that very rarely attacks healthy trees in the Northeast. [Read more…] about Report Dead or Dying Tamaracks (Eastern Larch) to DEC
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Lifeways of the Yellow Birch
One summer, I took a nature drawing class, and we hiked up Vermont’s Stowe Pinnacle to sketch in the cool, mountain forest. I chose to draw a big yellow birch that had established itself on the steep slope. For a couple of hours, I stared at the base of the tree, trying to capture its intricate detail: the way the trunk leaned to the right and its large, supporting roots spread over the ground; the variable colors, patterns, and textures of its bark; a hole at the base that might be home to a mouse or chipmunk. I wondered how old the tree was and what it had witnessed in its lifetime from its perch on the mountainside. [Read more…] about Lifeways of the Yellow Birch
Tree Buds In Winter
The bare branches of the trees outside my window seem lifeless in late winter. However, each twig holds many buds – small, wrapped packages of potential awaiting the spring. These buds formed last summer and are designed to withstand snow, ice, and subzero temperatures. By withdrawing water from them before winter, deciduous trees protect their buds from frost damage. [Read more…] about Tree Buds In Winter
Hudson Estuary Tree Program Accepting Applications
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that their Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program is accepting applications for spring stream-side planting projects. Anyone that owns or manages property near a stream in the Hudson River Estuary watershed is eligible to apply for free native trees and shrubs. [Read more…] about Hudson Estuary Tree Program Accepting Applications
Eastern White Pine: The Northeast’s Tallest Conifer
Last summer I regularly passed a stand of towering white pine trees at Camp Plymouth State Park in Ludlow, Vermont, where I live and work.
Most days I saw at least one hairy woodpecker, a few blue jays, chickadees, a pair of broad-winged hawks, and a multitude of red squirrels around the trees.
One day I looked up to their crowns and wondered, “Why are there so many pinecones at the top, and what other animals use these trees?” [Read more…] about Eastern White Pine: The Northeast’s Tallest Conifer
School Seedlings, A Free Program for Educators
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced that New York schools and youth organizations can apply to receive 30-50 free tree or shrub seedlings through the School Seedling Program from the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery. [Read more…] about School Seedlings, A Free Program for Educators
The Time to Prune Trees is Now
Care and maintenance of trees ensures their health life and minimizes liability. Trees can be damaged by high winds, snow, ice, and other severe weather events. Some damage requires immediate attention, while other damage may be dealt with later. [Read more…] about The Time to Prune Trees is Now
Super Wood: Coming To Space Near You
As a card-carrying, registered tree hugger, I have long touted the benefits of trees such as carbon storage, energy savings and improved mental health. And beyond the familiar tree-related blessings such as maple syrup, lumber and firewood, I’ve written about some obscure things like birch-based candy that fights tooth decay, and health-promoting chaga tea derived from a birch fungus. Then there’s basswood bark for fiber, elm bark for baskets, and pine bark for lunch.
That stuff is all pretty straightforward. More highly processed wood products, though, are a mystery to me. [Read more…] about Super Wood: Coming To Space Near You
Annual DEC Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Underway
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery has kicked off its annual spring seedling sale, which is open to the public and runs until May 12th.
Each year, the tree nursery offers for sale dozens of low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species to help implement large-scale conservation plantings across the state. [Read more…] about Annual DEC Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Underway
Keep Standing Dead Trees in your Woodlot
Some of the most important trees in your woodlot are the ones that are no longer alive. Large, standing dead or dying trees are an important part of healthy forests and a critical habitat feature for wildlife. They provide places for many birds and mammals to forage, den, nest, perch, and roost. [Read more…] about Keep Standing Dead Trees in your Woodlot