Forest official outlines reasons for toppled trees
Forest official outlines reasons for toppled trees (k-state.edu)
Stop before you lop – a quick guide to winter pruning
By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – To prune or not to prune? That is the question. When Oklahoma experiences warmer weather in the winter months, homeowners may want to take advantage of the milder temperatures and get a head start pruning trees and shrubs in the landscape. The purpose of pruning is to maintain the intended purpose of the plants in the landscape, improve plant appearance and protect people and property. For security purposes,…
Confronting the Wildfire Crisis
Confronting the Wildfire Crisis | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Extend the life of a Christmas tree after the holidays
By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma families looking for a fun activity after the holidays should look no further than the fresh-cut Christmas tree in their living room. The tree came into the home from nature and now, after the sound of jingle bells fade away, it can be returned to nature. “Once the ornaments and lights have been removed, consider using the fresh-cut tree to help the wildlife in your…
Windbreaks in decline; state forester says program will help Kansas farmers, ranchers
55% of Kansas windbreaks are in fair to poor condition, according to the most recent data provided through the Great Plains Initiative 2. Great Plains Initiative indicates more than half of state’s windbreaks are in fair to poor condition MANHATTAN, Kan. – A state forest official said an initiative to support windbreaks and other green infrastructure on Kansas farms is much-needed in light of recent data indicating that more than half of windbreaks…
Fall Forestry Field Day showcases working forestry management
Oct. 13 event highlights forestry management, best practices ERIE, Kan. – Participants can share collective experiences and learn the latest research for the holistic management of Kansas woodlands and related natural resources at the 26th annual Fall Forestry Field Day on Oct. 13 near Erie, Kansas. The event, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will be held at River Farms, which is owned by Ted Cambren and family. River Farms showcases examples of…
Fall isn’t just for pumpkin spice – it’s for planting trees, too
By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – The October 2020 ice storm and frigid temperatures in February took a toll on trees in Oklahoma. The sound of chainsaws filled the air as homeowners and parks employees cleared debris. Many trees were too damaged and had to be removed. Others will take years to fully recover, said Mark Bays, urban forestry coordinator with the Oklahoma Forestry Services. While people often take them for…
$1.8 million invested in Kansas streamside forestry initiative
Kansas Forest Service grant used to reduce sedimentation of federal reservoirs to improve water quality MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas Forest Service official says streamside forests and woodlands have improved during the course of a six-year, $1.8 million project, but work remains to ensure the viability of local water resources. Robert Atchison, coordinator of the rural forestry program at KFS, said the agency has administered the grant from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to…
State partnership to monitor for Emerald Ash Borer on public lands
Buy local firewood to protect Kansas trees MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Memorial Day weekend marks the return of camping for many outdoor lovers. No campout -- whether it’s in your back yard or in one of the Kansas state parks -- is complete without a campfire. However, Kansas Forest Service officials caution that invasive pests and diseases may be lurking in firewood, including the devastating emerald ash borer. To monitor the potential spread of EAB, KFS…
Fungus takes aim at eastern redcedar trees in late spring
Kansas Forest Service health coordinator urges landowners to look for orange spots MANHATTAN, Kan. – In late spring, especially after a rainstorm, the careful observer may notice alien-like orange, gelatinous objects attached to the branches of their eastern redcedar trees. A Kansas Forest Service official assures it’s not the fruit of a mutant cedar -- or Jell-O from Mars -- but the spore-producing body of cedar-apple rust fungus. “While a bit unusual looking,…