The diversity of birds that breed, winter or migrate through the northeast is tremendous, somewhere around 400 species. Landscaping specifically to attract birds to your property is an interesting and fast-growing trend that provides a healthy landscape, habitat and forage for many species of birds and a diversity of flowers, fruits and greenery that have aesthetic…
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The National Big Tree Program was established in 1940 and has since served as a legacy of the excellence in stewardship by the American Forests organization (http://www.americanforests.org/who-we-are-about-us/). The goal of this program is promote and preserve our nation’s champion tree specimens and educate the public about the role of theses and all trees in sustaining…
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With an increasingly growing urban population and urban sprawl, maintaining the natural resources in these communities becomes critically important. The urban population has ballooned from 28% in 1910 to 80% in 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002) and with it the need for natural resources management to ensure sustainable development, enhance the quality of life and…
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Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, is a member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family native to the United States, widely desired for its uses as a medicinal herb. Its natural range extends from Quebec to northern Georgia and west to Missouri. Goldenseal is an herbaceous perennial which can be found growing in rich, densely-shaded deciduous forests. Demand for…
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As part of the observance of Veteran’s Day the USDA and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced that they will be funding job and training opportunities this year for over 300 veterans and youths to go to work improving our nation’s natural and historic resources. This effort is a show of continuing support of…
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The time of year is fast-approaching when many will begin bringing greenery inside to decorate for the season. There are many beautiful and fragrant choices, some last longer once harvested and some may be messier than others. The balsam fir, Abies balsamea, is a gorgeous, aromatic quintessential green conical Christmas tree option. However, almost all…
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In 2012, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) suspended importation of apples produced in Washington State due to repeated incursion of diseases. The red and golden delicious apples purchased were afflicted with Sphaeropsis rot, bull’s-eye rot and speck rot. It wasn’t until this year, just last month, after intensive work with the…
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Forest farming or multi-story cropping is the cultivation of desirable, non-timber products in the understory of an existing forest canopy. This means the intentional management and maintenance of forest resources to cultivate non-timber products which could include thinning or pruning to adjust light levels, preparing sites with soil amendments to increase seedling success rate or discourage…
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Decorating indoors with plants and greenery during the winter is one of the oldest traditions in the world and has been a part of celebrating winter festivals since ancient times. Citizens in the southern U.S. states have been using fresh greenery to decorate for the holidays since colonization, while it is newer come to the…
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On November 15th the U.S. celebrates America Recycles Day, a nationally recognized event dedicated to promotion and awareness of recycling. The average American produces 4.4 lbs of trash per day, and the United States as a country produces 250 million tons of trash per year. Technological advancements in production and recycling methods have allowed more…
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