Tag Archives: Trees

City of Kentwood invites community to Arbor Day Celebration, Tree City USA Recognition Friday

2-row, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Environment, Kent County, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (black shirt) takes part in the City’s Arbor Day Celebration last year. (Photo: City of Kentwood: Used with Permission)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood invites community members to its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 24, at 12 p.m., highlighting the important role trees play in the environment and encouraging tree planting.

Residents of all ages are invited to attend the celebration at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE. The event begins at 12 p.m. with an Arbor Day proclamation reading by Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, followed by a ceremonial tree planting. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the event by helping plant trees in the park which includes mulch, stake and tying down the trees and adding an irrigation bag to each. 

The City of Kentwood also is celebrating its recognition as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. This designation honors the City’s ongoing commitment to planting, maintaining and growing trees to benefit the community.

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must meet four core standards, including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, investing at least $2 per capita in urban forestry, and hosting an Arbor Day observance.

“Our trees are an essential part of what makes our city healthy, beautiful, and a great place to call home,” Mayor Kepley said. “As we celebrate Arbor Day, we’re also proud to once again be recognized as a Tree City USA community, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to investing in our urban forest and protecting it for future generations.”

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than one million supporters and partners has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is celebrating its 50th year, highlighting a legacy of building healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.


(Photo: City of Kentwood: Used with Permission)


Free seedlings for Kentwood residents

Kentwood residents can pick up a free tree seedling April 21–24 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Seedlings will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, while supplies last. The seedlings available: sugar maples, jack pines, highbush cranberry, white pine, and black elderberry.

Residents can check seedling availability by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270. Community members also are encouraged to share photos of their planted seedlings on social media using the hashtag #GreeningKentwood.

The Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Railtown Brewing Company, which hosts an annual March fundraiser that donates a portion of sales from its Bike Ride Blonde ale to support tree purchases for the event.

Learn more about Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration at kentwood.us/ArborDay and on the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/720406987669946

Wyoming’s Arbor Day observance will expand community orchard

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment,

By Tessa Schulz
WKTV Contributor

Pictured above is the Beverly Bryan Community Orchard, where the Wyoming event will occur. (Photo, Tree Amigos)

Arbor Day celebrates the gift of trees this Friday, April 28. The holiday is a day dedicated to encouraging individuals to plant trees, which are essential for our ecosystem, are a renewable resource, and offer many benefits to communities.

 

This year, the City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” is partnering with Wyoming’s West Elementary, 1840 38th St. SW, for its 2023 Arbor Day ceremony set for 10:30 a.m. The event will take place in school’s Beverly Bryan Community Orchard.

West Elementary students will share poetry, art, and songs at the event. The city will plant two fruit trees in the orchard to celebrate Arbor Day.

Mayor Kent Vanderwood, who was ab advocate in establishing the tree commission in 2015, will open the event with the Arbor Day proclamation.

“We are a group of citizen volunteers who want to improve the tree canopy for our city because it is so important to the health of the people that live here,” said Estelle Slootmaker, board member of The Tree Amigos.

The event will also recognize the City of Wyoming’s eighth consecutive year as a part of Tree City USA.

ArborFest celebrations will also occur this weekend, April 28-29, in Grand Rapids. During this event, the community will plant 200 trees and give away 150 in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood.

Arbor Day originates from the Latin word “arbor,” meaning tree.

 

“Trees are as important to a healthy city as the water supply, the public works department, or the police force. Our job is to educate people so they (trees) are valued, planted, and maintained more,” Slootmaker said.

This holiday has been around for centuries, dating back to 1872 when journalist Julius Morton proposed a day to encourage his fellow Nebraskans to plant trees.

Morton filled his property (160 acres) with trees to enrich the desolate planes of Nebraska. He wrote for the Nebraska City News, where he encouraged community members to learn about the ecological importance of trees.

Morton’s articles resonated with the public. The agriculture board approved his proposal for a holiday, and community members planted more than a million trees on the first Arbor Day.

“We still have a mindset that trees are decorations, but they are so integral to our way of living,” Slootmaker said.

Trees play many roles in our lives. They provide oxygen for us to breathe. They are a renewable resource giving wood and paper. Trees provide fruit for food and are a habitat for wildlife. Trees can reduce air and noise pollution in busy neighborhoods and reduce heating and cooling bills. The benefits of trees extend long past a tree’s lifetime.

“We can reduce the impacts of climate change on neighborhoods. We can improve their air quality and reduce asthma rates,” Slootmaker said. “Trees have been proven to reduce crime and boost our mental health. There are lots of good reasons to plant trees.”

The Tree Amigos needs more board members. It is required to be a Wyoming resident. Any volunteers or inquiries can contact: treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com

‘Best year’ in long time boosts Christmas farms

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local History, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Liam Jackson
Capital News Service

Levi Dutcher, with his family outside Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm in Caledonia, will carry on a family tradition of selling trees. Credit: Levi Dutcher.

LANSING – Christmas trees are in Levi Dutcher’s blood.

His parents planted 2,000 while his mother was pregnant with him in 1988. Now, he is preparing for his first holiday season as the owner of a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm.

“It takes a lot of work and a lot of money to make a little bit of money in the end,” said Dutcher, of Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm in Caledonia. “But it’s definitely a lot of fun.”

Dutcher is one of nearly 500 Michigan Christmas tree farm owners benefiting this year from an exceptional growing season.

Ideal weather conditions made it the best

“It was pretty much the consensus of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association board that it was the best year they’ve had for growing in a long time,” said Amy Start, the executive director of the group that promotes Christmas tree farms.

Dutchman Tree Farms near Cadillac benefited from ideal weather conditions in northern Michigan.

“We had decent moisture throughout the summer and did not have any late-season frosts,” said Scott Powell, the nursery manager of Dutchman in Manton and president of the association.

A good growing season is a good sign, but when it comes to actually selling the trees, other factors come into play.

“Usually what affects the selling season is good weather,” Start said.

 

“A little bit of snow for atmosphere is always lovely,” she said. “But if not, we at least hope it’s not raining. Because nobody wants to go to a farm when it’s down pouring or muddy.”

A ‘fresh start’ to the season

Michigan is third in the nation for Christmas tree production, according to the tree grower group. Each year the state supplies two million trees nationally.

Choose-and-cut farms appeal to younger families who want to “make a day of it,” Start said.

“They feel as if it’s the freshest way to get a tree,” she said. “Because it is. You are cutting it down yourself.”

That experience is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of work for the farmer. It takes Christmas trees seven to 10 years before they are ready to cut.

Each growing season is critical and has lasting impacts for farmers beyond that. Drought during one season can delay growth, Start said.

“It takes a lot of work and a lot of care to get them to the full size to sell so the growers are really, really diligent about those trees,” she said.

Some new choose-and-cut farms are set to open to the public this year, but an opening is the completion of a project started long before – sometimes several decades.

A longtime coming grand opening

Dutcher is opening his choose-and-cut farm this year, seven years after the trees were planted.

 

The events that led to the grand opening began before Dutcher was born. The 2,000 trees his mother helped plant in 1988 were nearly all wiped out by a drought.

 

When Dutcher was 8-years-old, his parents sold trees for one year. They never did it again.

“During that season I thought, ‘Wow, this is a lot of fun,’” Dutcher said. “The whole family was hanging out. I didn’t come from a lot of money, so anytime someone came up to buy a $20 tree, it was really exciting.”

About 20 years later, Dutcher bought property in Caledonia. His sister-in-law recommended planting Christmas trees so the family could gather each year and cut their own.

Dutcher took the idea one step further and planted 1,000 trees.

“It was a mixture of me remembering all the good times we had the one year my parents sold trees and my sister-in-law’s suggestion,” Dutcher said. “That’s how we’ve arrived at this.”

Dutcher’s family will still bond over the farm, including his aunt, who will fly from Oregon to help out.

More than just trees

Christmas tree farmers find other ways to make ends meet while the trees grow.

 

Photo ops with Santa and a fire pit to roast marshmallows are ways that Creekside Christmas Trees in Port Austin attract local residents during the Christmas season.

Creekside owner Lisa Szymanski planted trees two years ago. She anticipates that the choose-and-cut portion of the farm will open in 2027.

“We are doing things on the retail side to keep us relevant and keep people in the area knowing that we are here and getting in the habit of coming,” Szymanski said.

ABOUT LIAM JACKSON

Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.

Wyoming Tree Commission looking for volunteers to help plant

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Environment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,
Tree Commissioner Estelle Slootmaker holding the tree. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.staff

The Wyoming Tree Commission is looking for a few more people to help with tree plantings this weekend and next.

Plantings are set for the morning of Oct. 2 and 16, which are both Saturdays. For more information on helping, email treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com.

Recently, the Tree Commission received a DTE Energy Tree Planting Grant of $3,000. With an additional $1,000 from the commission’s funds, was able to purchase about 25 8-foot and 10-foot trees. More than a dozen residents have signed up to receive a tree. The trees are free to residents but they are required to help plant it and commit to maintaining the tree.

The city’s recently revised Master Plan calls for the city to set a tree canopy goal. the Tree Commission recommendation was a goal of 40%, the same goal as many cities have set such as the City of Grand Rapids. Currently, Wyoming has an approximate tree canopy of 13.5%, as determined by an iTree survey that looks at aerial photographs. 

The Tree Amigos is a volunteer City of Wyoming commission seeking to improve the city’s overall tree canopy. They meet every second Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. 

DTE grant and new masterplan a boost to City of Wyoming’s tree canopy

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Environment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,
Volunteers help plant trees in local neighborhoods. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” is celebrating some great news for the city’s tree canopy. For one, not only did the DTE Energy Tree Planting Grant Program approve their grant application, but the foundation is awarding an extra $1,000 above the requested $2,000. As The Tree Amigos has budgeted $1,000 of its own funds for the planting, $4,000 is now available for the purchase and delivery of up to 25, eight-to-ten-foot trees. The Tree Amigos has more than a dozen residents signed up to receive a tree but is still looking for a few more. Volunteers will plant the trees the mornings of October 2 and 16. Residents will receive a tree free of charge but are required to help plant it and commit to maintaining the tree.

 

In addition, the new City of Wyoming Master Plan calls for the city to set a tree canopy goal. City planner Nicole Hoffert asked for the Tree Commission’s recommendation. The commission requested Wyoming’s goal be 40%, the same goal as many cities have set, including the City of Grand Rapids. Currently, Wyoming has an approximate tree canopy of 13.5%, as determined by an iTree survey that looks at aerial photographs. 

The Master Plan also calls for a more rigorous tree survey to be done in the future. Having a comprehensive survey will provide the City with data needed to plan not only where to plant more trees, but also how to develop a maintenance plan that preserves the mature trees already growing here. The survey will also provide data on the economic value that Wyoming’s trees provide when it comes to stormwater retention, pavement life, energy savings, reducing carbon footprint, and removing toxins from the air. 

 

“Establishing the 40% canopy goal and having a comprehensive tree survey commissioned are two items at the very top of our wishlist. We are thrilled that the City is taking action on these,” says Estelle Slootmaker, chair, The Tree Amigos. “We also look forward to sharing insights with Nicole as the city develops a new tree ordinance that will better preserve the beautiful mature trees that we have and create a blueprint for planting more trees.”

Cities around the world are recognizing the important role of trees in mitigating climate change, maintaining storm sewer systems, making neighborhoods safer, increasing property values, and reducing health impacts of air pollution and stress.

 

“Wyoming’s slogan is ‘City of vision and progress.’ Only when we have a true vision of the important role trees play as part of our city’s infrastructure will we, as a city, be able to make sustainable progress environmentally and economically—and create a safer, healthier, happier place to live and work,” Slootmaker says.

Wyoming plants trees near right of ways of three local parks

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
Wyoming staff plants trees near Marquette Park. (Supplied)

By Amanda Moore
City of Wyoming

The City of Wyoming planted twelve trees throughout three neighborhood parks as a part of an ongoing effort to enhance Wyoming parks.

The tree plantings were supported by funding from the 2020 Community Street and Boulevard Tree Planting Grant Program sponsored by Consumer’s Energy. The program’s purpose is to help local communities select appropriate species and locations for tree projects. The City of Wyoming was awarded $1,200 towards the planting of twelve new trees, a total investment of more than $4,000, with matching funds provided by the city’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.

“Trees provide a real value to the City of Wyoming and its residents,” said Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “They reduce stormwater runoff naturally, easing the burden on expensive stormwater infrastructure. They cool our parks, homes, and buildings through the shade they provide, effectively reducing energy costs. Through photosynthesis, they filter pollution out of the air and produce the oxygen we all rely on.”

All the trees planted are native to the state of Michigan, including black gum, sugar maple, and red maple varieties. Southlawn Park received two black gum and two red maple trees, Prairie Park received three red maples, and Marquette Park received four red maples and one sugar maple. The tree plantings all occurred near the street frontages.

“We are thankful for partnerships with organizations like Consumer’s Energy who are committed to investing in local communities to make them better,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

The City of Wyoming is a Tree City USA community, as designated by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2017. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov.

Tree Amigos fall planting adds 20 trees to city streets, park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
On. Sept. 26, seven trees were planted in the Godfrey-Lee neighborhood in parkways in front of residents’s homes. (Courtesy Tree Amigos)

By Estelle Slootmaker
City of Wyoming Tree Commission

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” planted 20 trees with funds from a DTE Foundation grant administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The original spring planting dates were moved to fall due to COVID-19.

On Sept. 26, seven trees were planted in the Godfrey-Lee neighborhood in parkways in front of residents’ homes. On Oct. 10, another seven trees will be planted in the neighborhood and eight trees in Oriole Park, where many trees have had to be removed. Each tree represents a $500 investment. Excavation and permitting are being provided by the City of Wyoming. In addition to the Tree Amigos volunteers, five youth volunteers from Lee High School National Honor Society are helping with the plantings this fall.

Community members and students from Wyoming Lee High School have worked to add more trees to the Godfrey Lee neighborhood. (Courtesy photo by Tree Amigos)

The Tree Amigos have focused on the Godfrey Lee neighborhood the past two years because it has lost many trees to storms and development. On Arbor Day 2019, Wyoming Lee High School Ecology Club joined the Tree Amigos for the City’s 2019 Arbor Day Ceremony. To open the event, members of the Club planted two tulip trees on school property bordering Lee Street. The trees were provided by The Tree Amigos.

“We absolutely have some areas that need this resource,” said Vlad Borza, a Lee High School teacher who leads the Ecology Club. “I actually worked on a project just last year with high school ecology students to identify this very need.

“Due to disease and windfall, several of the trees along the (school’s) front parking area and along the side had to be removed in recent years. We would love to re-populate this area with some preferably native trees that can begin to complete the void left behind by these removals.”

The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has also noted the need for increasing tree canopy in this area where Wyoming and Grand Rapids share a boundary. This City of Grand Rapids organization has been a helpful resource for The Tree Amigos. Its Urban Forest Project also offer resources and tree education classes, which are open to Wyoming residents.

“There is no arguing the significant environmental and economic benefits that trees bring to our communities,” said Lauren Davis, urban forest coordinator for the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and who serves as The Tree Amigos volunteer consulting certified arborist. “As we continue to lose mature trees from natural causes and development, the need to plant new trees has never been greater.”

The Tree Amigos also added six fruit trees to the City of Wyoming Tree Commission’s Beverly Bryant Community Orchard at West Elementary this fall.

For more information about The Tree Amigos, visit the organization’s Facebook page.

The Tree Amigos and area residents will be out again on Oct. 10 to plant more trees. (Courtesy Photo by Tree Amigos)

Kentwood seeks volunteers to help save trees by combating vines

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Environment, ,
The City of Kentwood has partnered with Kent Conversation District Invasive Species Strike Team to help remove invasive plants from the city. (Kent Conversation District)

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Wanted: residents willing to roll up there sleeves, who do not mind getting dirty, and want to protect and improve the tree canopy within the City of Kentwood.

The City of Kentwood is tackling the issue of invasive species, specifically vines harming trees in the City of Kentwood. To aid in the cause, the city recently partnered with the Kent Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team to educate community members on common invasive species.

These invasive species are incredibly harmful to trees. The vines can strangle a tree blocking it from delivering nutrients from the sun and rainfall to its roots. Over time this can cause the tree to wilt and eventually die.

“The City is pleased to join forces with the Kent Conservation District to educate residents on how to save our trees from the invasive vines that are harming them throughout the community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “All residents are invited to participate in one of the education sessions for the training necessary to stop the on-going damage to our trees.”

KCD Invasive Species Strike team is having training sessions on the following dates (you do need to attend one training to participate in the program):

  • Monday, Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m. at Northeast Park (1900 Middleground Dr. SE)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6-7 p.m. at East Paris Nature Park (5995 East Paris Ave. SE)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-5 p.m. at Stanaback Park (3717 Whitebud Dr. SE)
  • Thursday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m. at Stauffer Station Park (2360 52nd St. SE)
  • Saturday, Oct. 3, 10-11 a.m. at Covenant Park (3402 36th St. SE)

At these sessions you receive a hands-on experience to learn what invasive species are, what they look like, and how to dispose of them.

Wild grapes in southeast Michigan. (Wasrts / CC BY-SA)

After attending one of these training days, volunteers are invited take part in tackling vines in Northeast Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Sat., Oct. 10. The Kent Conservation District will guide volunteers and provide any necessary equipment. For this event, volunteers are recommended to wear clothing appropriate for physical outdoor work and weather conditions, such as long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes.

Trees in City of Kentwood are immensely important as they help to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Trees also help to remove pollutants from the air and soil. More importantly, for homeowners, trees can increase property value.

These invasive species combat the growth of trees in City of Kentwood. Some of these even release toxic chemicals into the soil which can harm native plant species. Some of the more commonly known species in Michigan are oriental bittersweet, wild grape and poison ivy.

Trained residents also have the option to do self-directed work as long as they communicate with the Department of Public Works on where and when the work was completed, so staff can follow up if necessary. The City hopes to host more trainings and events in other parks in the future.

For more details, community members may visit kentwood.us/vinevolunteers.

Urban living: Add trees for health, happiness

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Our Cities, , ,
Trees play a role in bolstering mental and physical health for city dwellers. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Amy Norton, HealthDay


City dwellers who live on tree-lined streets might be happier and healthier for it, a large new study suggests.


The study, of nearly 47,000 urban residents, found that those who lived in areas shaded by tree canopy reported less psychological distress and better general health over six years.


Green grass, on the other hand, didn’t cut it: People in neighborhoods with more grassy areas actually reported poorer health than those largely surrounded by concrete.


The researchers said the findings suggest there might be something particularly health-promoting about trees. Maybe people who have them nearby have more chances for walking and recreation, or enjoy a buffer against noise and traffic pollution, for example.


The bottom line: Trees seem to matter to our well-being, said Kathleen Wolf, a research social scientist at the University of Washington’s College of the Environment, in Seattle.


Wolf, who was not involved in the study, said it adds to a body of research finding a link between “green space” and better health.


A U.K. study published recently is a case in point. It found that people who spent two hours a week outdoors gave higher ratings to their physical and mental health than those who preferred the great indoors.


“If you have one study showing an association,” Wolf said, “it gives you a heads-up—’Hey, this is an interesting finding.’”


When multiple studies show the same pattern, it suggests something is really there, she added.


A strength of the new study is that it followed people over time, Wolf said, rather than measuring well-being only once.


On average, it found, city dwellers who lived near more tree canopy were less likely to develop new symptoms of psychological distress—like nervousness, hopelessness and unexplained fatigue.


The benefit was seen among people living in areas with tree coverage of at least 30% within a mile of home. Compared with residents with few nearby trees, they were about one-third less likely to report distress symptoms on a standard questionnaire.


They were also one-third less likely to downgrade ratings of their general health to “fair” or “poor.”


Of course, there could be many things about living in greener areas that make people happier and healthier. But the researchers tried to account for those differences—weighing factors like household income, education levels and marital status.


Even then, trees still mattered to mental and physical well-being.


Why would that be? Wolf pointed to various possibilities.


Tree-lined streets and parks may give people more opportunities for exercise—which, she noted, is important not only for physical well-being but mental health, too.


There’s also a theory that being out in nature offers a better sense of perspective, which makes our daily stresses seem less significant.


“Human beings tend to ruminate on the bad things that happen, rather than the good,” Wolf said.


Some of that mental playback may fade when you’re outdoors, with things to see, smell and experience, she noted.


Living near grassy surroundings, on the other hand, was linked to higher odds of distress and poor health.


The study cannot reveal why, said Sjerp de Vries, a researcher with Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands. But, he said, unlike grass, trees can make an area more walkable.


Trees are also more obvious, de Vries said. Tall trees, especially, make their presence known whether people are outside or inside.


Plus, de Vries noted, there is an argument to be made that trees are beneficial because they release chemicals called phytoncides, which may boost human immune function.


He wrote an editorial accompanying the new study, which was published online recently in JAMA Network Open.


The study results were based on 46,786 adults aged 45 and older in three large Australian cities. All remained in the same neighborhood over six years and completed the same health questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study period.


It’s possible, de Vries said, that healthier people chose to live in tree-lined areas.


But other studies have suggested that “green space” has particular benefits for lower-income people, he noted. And they have less choice about where to live than their wealthier counterparts.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Knowing trees

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Kids Activities, Our Cities, ,

Photo courtesy of Michigan State Extension

By Bill Cook, Michigan State University Extension 

 

In Michigan’s wildland forests, there are about 75-85 tree species, depending upon where the line is drawn between a tree and a shrub. The number of species significantly increases when the urban/residential trees and ornamental varieties are counted.

 

Trees are good ecological indicators of site productivity and ecological conditions. Trees are the dominant life form of forest systems. They pretty much determine what else grows on the site and which wildlife species will inhabit a particular place.

 

Knowing the ecological requirements and implications of trees provides a more satisfying forest visit. Tree identification is just the first step. However, it’s the forest dynamics that become more interesting, rather quickly. It takes some time and study to learn to read the forest like a forester.

 

For northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula Tree Identification website is a good tool. The image sets have been recently updated to reflect the changes in computer technology since the website was first introduced in the late 1990s.

 

UPTREEID also has an extensive forest health section tied to particular tree species.

 

There are about a dozen characteristics available to help identify trees. Learning which subset of characteristics to use for a particular tree is where practice and skill are needed. Some characteristics are seasonal, such as leaves, fruits and flowers. Most others are more year-round, such as twig and branching patterns, buds, bud scars, bark, tree form, site and tree associates.

 

For some trees, paper birch for instance, most people only need to look at the white, peeling bark. Although, sometimes pale versions of quaking aspen have been mistaken for paper birch. Trees with acorns are one of several oaks. Most of our conifers carry needles year-round, but not all.

 

Many people refer to all conifers as pines when, actually, most conifers are not pines, especially in the U.P. Pines make up about 44 percent of the conifer volume in Michigan (14 percent of total tree volume) and about 25 percent in the U.P. (11 percent of the total). Northern white-cedar is the most common conifer in Michigan. It’s not a pine! Neither are hemlocks, spruces, firs, tamaracks or larches. Michigan is mostly a hardwood state.

 

Because there are only about a dozen common conifers (only four are pines) in the forest, conifer ID is fairly easy. It’s a good place to begin in order to build some confidence and skill.

 

Another good tactic for beginners is learning the ten most common tree species first: sugar maple, red maple, white-cedar, red pine, white pine, northern red oak, quaking aspen, bigtooth aspen, black cherry and hemlock. Once these trees are known, comparing them to unknown species will often make the identification process move quicker.

 

For about five months, leaves are good tree ID characteristics. However, beware of the variability within a particular species. Size, shape, color and other features can change from one part of a tree, or among trees of the same species, due to site conditions and tree health.

 

Using leaves to confirm a species ID allows an observer to more easily become familiar with year-round ID characteristics, such as bark, buds, branching patterns, etc. Once a person becomes proficient at tree ID, then, like learning to read, a whole world of science, history and ecology opens up.

 

Our wild land forests have been shaped by historical practices, especially the over-harvesting and burning of a hundred years ago. That period set the stage for much of what we see today, as the forests have recovered. Forest management has done much to bring the forest resource to conditions that are now able to supply a wide range of goods and services.

 

Forests are an essential resource for human survival. Their renewable nature provides a large measure of potential for human benefit, if properly cared for. Learning to identify some of the pieces goes a long way to a deeper understanding of the ever-changing forest puzzle.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

 

 

 

 

 

Fungus has a role in a healthy forest ecosystem

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Pets/Animals, , , , , , ,

Artist’s Conk (Ganoderma applanatum) fungi in a sugar maple. (Photo by MSU Extension)

By Mike Schira, Michigan State University Extension

 

Usually, when we see or hear news items regarding tree and forest fungus, it is being presented as bad or something that is killing trees. Sadly in many instances it’s true that newly introduced fungal pathogens, like Dutch elm disease and oak wilt for example, are a major issue resulting in the death of healthy trees.

 

The majority of fungi we find in the forest are beneficial to the overall health of the stands they are living with. It is inevitable that trees are going to get old, slowdown in growth and eventually die. These life cycle processes can be rather short in some species; for example aspen, jack pine and white birch or quite long stretching to over hundreds or even thousands of years in the longest growing species like northern white cedar in the Lake States region or sequoia and bristle cone pine in the west.

 

Regardless of how or when a tree dies, the process of decomposition begins. Tree cell walls contain lignin, a compound that strengthens the cells assisting trees to grow tall. Lignin is tough and fungi are thought to be the only major organism that can break it down. This is important to the remaining trees as well as for the newly established seedlings that depend on the nutrients in the dead and dying trees to allow them to grow and remain healthy. Without the decaying action of fungi, wood would not break down to supply the nutrients for the remaining stand in a timeframe that will sustain growth.

 

The process of plant growth, decline and decay followed by reabsorption of the released compounds is generally referred to as nutrient cycling. Although there are other organisms that aid in the breakdown of plant matter for this process, it is fungi that preforms the important first step by breaking down the lignin. These processes may be at work above ground in the tree stems and branches, or below ground in the roots and stumps. There are many different species and kinds of fungi that are at work in forest stands and vary depending on tree species, soil type and moisture conditions.

 

For a more detailed explanation of how the complex processes work to help sustain a healthy forest ecosystem Michigan State University Extension has a series of bulletins that covers this topic; Forest Terminology and Ecological Systems Extension Bulletin E-2635 through E-2641.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Meeting tonight on Kentwood’s progress on Wing Avenue

City of Kentwood, , , , , , , , , , ,

Wing Avenue at 60th Street
Wing Avenue at 60th Street

It’s only a mile long so you would think it would be fairly easy to put together a plan to reconstruct Wing Avenue.

 

But there are a number of variables when dealing with Wing Avenue, said Kentwood City Engineer Tim Bradshaw, such as slope, speed, trees, drainage, future growth and utilities along with who would be the best to provide those utilities as the road serves as a boarder to Grand Rapids and Kentwood.

 

It is why the City of Kentwood has spent the past couple of months meeting with residents, gathering input and collecting data focused on putting together a plan for Wing Avenue. A second meeting to discuss this plan is set for 7 p.m. tonight at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE.

 

“The condition of the road has gotten to the point that there is not much more the city can do to maintain it,” Bradshaw said, adding even snowplowing has become a challenge along the road due to the ditches. Wing Avenue also serves as the main artery between 52nd and 60th streets with no relief from that unless Breton Avenue is ever extended to 60th Street.

 

Wing Avenue north of 60th Street
Wing Avenue north of 60th Street

There also is potential for future development in the area which would add more traffic to the road, Bradshaw said.

 

Earlier this year, the city hired the consulting firm Fleis & VandenBrink to conduct a corridor study and assist with gathering public input. This included hosting a meeting in August where about 80 residents from the 92 homes that were notified attended. Bradshaw said there about 60 properties on Wing Avenue with about 30 or so on Paris Park Drive that have properties that back up against the road. All were notified of the plans to work on Wing Avenue.

 

“We hire a consultant to work with us based on the previous conservations with property owners who had mixed amount feelings on what should be done.” Bradshaw said. “Each has a passion with them. Some really like the rural feel of the road, others had safety concerns and others wanted to protect as many trees as possible.”

 

The residents along Wing Avenue have well water and septic as there are no current water or sewer lines or storm sewer. There has been discussion of adding such utilities, which could spur development, Bradshaw said.

 

Over the past couple of months, Fleis & VandenBrink and the city have looked at the trees to see how many could be saved along with getting traffic counts especially with school in session. The speed limit along the road, which currently is 40 mph, is mostly set by the state, Bradshaw noted.

 

The goal of the City of Kentwood is to have the study of the road completed by the Dec. 6 City Commission meeting. Design and engineering work on Wing Avenue is expected to take place next year with construction beginning in 2018.

The Tree Amigos and a quest for a healthier Wyoming

Area Education, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Volunteers, , , , , , , ,

Trees
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community

By: Mike DeWitt

 

What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.

 

“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”

Oriole Park

 

That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.

 

Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.

Wyoming's former tree planting program
Wyoming’s former tree planting program

 

A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.

 

“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.

 

Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.

 

On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.

 

While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.

 

According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.

 

With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.

 

That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.

Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council

 

“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”

 

Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.

 

Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”