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FEBRUARY 2014
Our Regrowth
Trees are key to sustainable cities. Their intangible benefits are just as valuable.
CASEY TREES NEWS IN BRIEF
TreeWise application now open for summer 2014 sessions The online application for the summer 2014 TreeWise sessions is now available and registration has begun. TreeWise is Casey Trees’ nature- and place-based summer education program for youth ages 6 to 10. For summer 2014, Casey Trees is excited to announce three different available session types. The standard on-site sessions and the U.S. National Arboretum sessions that debuted last summer will continue to be offered. New for 2014 are Arboretum sessions with Washington Youth Garden staff for a an even more diverse set of activities. To be eligible for an on-site session, host sites must have or be in close proximity to a public green space, such as a park or playground, with mature trees. Youth summer programs located within 25 miles of Casey Trees’ headquarters may register for a session at no cost. Those outside 25 miles will incur a program fee. Sessions at the Arboretum are similarly free of charge but groups must coordinate their own transportation. Casey Trees offers a limited number of need-based transportation scholarships. Registration is first-come, first-served and sessions fill quickly.
CASEY TREES NEWS MARK BUSCAINO PROVIDES TESTIMONY ON NEW LEGISLATION | On Jan. 8, Casey Trees’ Executive Director Mark Buscaino offered testimony to the D.C. Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, advocating for modifications to tree management provisions of the Sustainable D.C. Omnibus Act of 2013. While Casey Trees applauds many of the Sustainable D.C. Plan’s goals, Buscaino’s testimony reflected concerns with the allocation of Tree Fund dollars and budgeting in regards to tree maintenance. Additional modifications were also recommended for inclusion in the Act to improve its impact on canopy health.
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CASEY TREES PETITIONS TO SAVE THE BROOKLAND GREEN | Casey Trees’ Planning and Design Department has been hard at work spreading the word about the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Joint Development Solicitation to redevelop land around the BrooklandCUA Metro Station. While a strong neighborhood response and letter from Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie produced action from WMATA to amend to developer requirements, the Brookland Green is still at risk. Casey Trees has created a petition stating that any proposed development around the Metro station must preserve the tree canopy of the Brookland Green.
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SPRING COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SEASON COMES TOGETHER | While winter appears to be retaining a firm hold on 2014, Casey Trees has been busy preparing for another productive Community Tree Planting season. Spending weeks working with project organizers and Lead Citizen Foresters to create planting plans and recruit volunteers, Casey Trees has a great season lined up. This year, we hope to plant more than 400 trees at 26 planting events across the D.C. metro region. Check out the season schedule on page 13.
URBAN FORESTRY NEWS LATEST CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACKNOWLEDGES NEEDS OF URBAN FORESTS | With the release of the latest $1.1
programs, there were encouraging factors for urban forestry projects. Although funding for U.S. Forest Service’s Urban & Community Forestry Service Program was slightly reduced, forestry projects also became eligible for funding from a new initiative — the Landscape Scale Restoration Program. Together, these budget line items offer a greater total of available funds towards forestry projects than previous fiscal years. Additionally, a report accompanying the budget legislation incorporated key language that acknowledged the need “…to assist urban communities in inventorying and assessing the changing conditions and health of urban forests and develop strategic plans to sustain these natural resources.”
trillion spending bill used to fund federal government
IN THIS ISSUE... FROM THE DESK: CASEY TREES PARTNERS WITH PEPCO TO ADD TREE CANOPY........................... 4 SPOTLIGHT: DELORES BUSHONG BECOMES A VOICE FOR D.C.’S TREES............................................ 5 CASEY TREES HONORS VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS AT APPRECIATION EVENT....................... 6 LARGE-PARCEL PROGRAM’S RESTORATION PROJECTS MAKE CITY-WIDE IMPACT.................... 8-9 CITIES LOOK TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL HARM CAUSED BY ROAD SALTS................................. 11 FEBRUARY AND MARCH EVENTS, CLASSES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES....................... 12-13 ARBOR KIDS: CONIFER CONE INSPECTION............................................................................................ 14
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| February 2014
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From the Desk Pepco partnership can help increase tree canopy on private lands Not too long after the unusual and damaging high-speed derecho wind storm hit D.C. in June 2012, I met with several Pepco representatives to see what we might do together to address the age-old problem of treecaused power outages. Pepco was struggling with this. Their customers demand uninterrupted power, but they also demand vibrant, tree-filled neighborhoods. Given how trees can sometimes knock out power in storms such as the 2012 derecho, the posed the question, “How can you have both?” After a lengthy discussion, we came upon a potential solution: what if, when Pepco prunes EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR trees for wire clearance, they offer impacted property owners an alternative? That alternative is to plant a tree in neighbors’ yards that won’t impact the power lines, for a modest co-payment. From these early discussions, Pepco’s Right Tree Right Place planting program was developed.
someone in person, contact Casey Trees Arborist Marty Frye by email or at 202.349.1891. Casey Trees is extremely pleased to be working with Pepco to make D.C.’s neighborhoods greener and more sustainable — all in a way that reduces power outages. The Right Tree Right Place program will help make the city a greener, more livable place, one tree at time. Thanks for your ongoing support! Regards,
MARK BUSCAINO
Mark Buscaino Executive Director
For D.C. property owners, Pepco, through Casey Trees, will plant high-quality trees on private parcels for a copayment of $50 per tree, much less than their actual value. Trees will be of a particular type or planted in a location that will not interfere with overhead power lines, while at the same time maintain the tree canopy of the neighborhood for generations to come. Interested individuals must enroll in the Right Tree Right Place program on Pepco’s website. To speak to
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February 2014 | theleaflet
Spotlight Former teacher channels life-long passion for trees into canopy advocacy By Max Lopatnikov, Communications Intern, Casey Trees | Delores Bushong’s knowledge of trees started early, as she recalls her father identifying trees as they walked along their Virginia farm, where she built a kinship with the forest. When she retired from a committed career as a teacher, Bushong instinctively knew her future goals involved protecting the trees of the city she has loved for more than 20 years. When she learned about Casey Trees and discovered all the classes and opportunities to get involved that we offer, it was a natural fit. The establishment of the Tree Advocacy program offered Delores the perfect avenue to make an impact and continue her education. “If I can convince city officials to plant even one more tree or to protect a growing tree I will feel I have accomplished something important,” Bushong said. “Of course, I hope to save and protect many trees!” Bushong has been an invaluable help in Casey Trees’ advocacy efforts, submitting numerous public comments, regularly attending public meetings and notably delivering testimony before the Zoning Commission— testimony that helped influence possible revisions of the proposed Green Area Ratio regulations within new D.C. zoning policy.
“I realized the impact I could have as an advocate in my ward when public officials began to identify my presence at meetings with having to do with tree issues,” she said. Not waiting around to act, she has independently worked to improve her own neighborhood by participating in the Rhode Island Avenue NE Streetscape Improvement open house and has continued to work with our Planning and Design Department to shed light on her ideas for using trees to improve the livability of the neighborhood.
Delores Bushong (L), pictured here with Stephanie Juchs, Casey Trees’ Community Education Coordinator, at the D.C. Council’s offices for lobby day in September 2013.
”I love having the opportunity to be in the company of other people who love trees as much as I do.” It is only with the hard work and incredible contributions of Tree Advocates such as Bushong that our work truly resonates throughout the neighborhoods and communities of Washington, D.C. that we work so hard to restore.
Take action for trees today and join our advocacy efforts.
With each passing advocacy action, Bushong’s reputation as a champion for trees becomes greater.
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| February 2014
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Education With local partners, Casey Trees looks to expand knowledge of urban forest By Katie Blackman, Volunteer Coordinator, Casey Trees | On the chilly evening of Jan. 16, nearly 150 Casey Trees volunteers, partners, instructors and staff came together at the Embassy of Australia to celebrate the thousands of hours our most dedicated volunteers donated to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital in 2013. Guests came smiling, unsure of what to expect and left laughing after spending the evening with friends new and old who saw one another, perhaps for the first time, without dirt on their faces. The evening, complete with winter comfort foods and a jazz pianist tickling the ivories in the background, culminated with a program that honored some of our amazing volunteers. The Australian Consul-General, Mauro Kolobaric, kicked off the program with a lovely speech in which he pledged the Embassy’s support of Casey Trees and our mission. (He even called on party-goers to vote for Casey Trees as Best Non-Profit in the Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. Readers’ Poll!) Citizen Forester Difu Wu was recognized for the more than 100 hours he donated at 42 separate events since October 2012. Next, we introduced the Champion Club.
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Named after the champion tree, the largest specimen of a tree variety, this club honors volunteers who have been with us for 10 or more years. The inaugural induction group was a dozen members strong. We were also pleased to recognize the efforts of our Tree Advocates and our Lead Citizen Foresters from the past planting season. After raffling generously donated gifts from our supporters, Casey Trees said goodbye to Sara Turner, who in her tenure at Casey Trees was responsible for helping add 8,329 trees across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Simply put, the work that Casey Trees has been able to accomplish would not be possible without the hours of time, thought and action our incredible volunteers donate each year. We can never thank our volunteers enough and hope that our volunteer appreciation event expressed at least a fraction of our gratitude.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING GROUPS THAT SUPPORTED THE “DEEPENING OUR ROOTS” EVENT! The Smithsonian Institution Washington Parties The Ritz Carlton Founding Farmers The National Geographic Society Meadow Farms Nursery The Newseum The International Spy Museum
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04 SAVE THE DATE
THE INAUGURAL CASEY TREES CANOPY AWARDS
24 14 ARBOR DAY EVE APRIL 24, 2014
TICKET INFORMATION FORTHCOMING. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE. 202.833.9125 DEVELOPMENT@CASEYTREES.ORG
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| February 2014
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Tree Planting Restoring landscapes, healing human spirit By Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting, Casey Trees | This past fall season concluded a twoyear effort to test a new program model that provided Casey Trees an opportunity to stretch our current tree planting capacity through different approaches. The Large Parcel Tree Planting Pilot program was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through its Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund program. FedEx provided $20,000 in support of the program as part of its FedEx EarthSmart Outreach initiative. Identifying tree planting opportunities on large land parcels is one of the recommendations in D.C.’s Urban Tree Canopy Plan. While doing so, we were also able to test and gain operational experience with various plant stock types and compare and contrast them with more typical containerized and balled-and-burlapped (B&B) plant stock. However, restoration and healing were themes that threaded throughout the program. Many of our urban landscapes are suffering through various stages of disrepair, desolation and dis-investment, both of the ecological and human varieties. A closed hiking train in Northeast D.C.’s Fort Dupont Park was reforested with more than 250 native trees and shrubs.
Of the more than 600 trees we were able to plant through the program, nearly half went towards natural restoration projects. Trees were added to a variety of social landscapes, too, where trees serve many other often intangible functions, such as calming traffic (and
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nerves), creating reduced-stress environments or honoring people, places and historical events.
BIOPHYSICAL SPREAD The program’s first project in 2013 was an ambitious plan featuring 250 native trees and shrubs at Fort Dupont, a National Park Service parcel in Northeast D.C. The planting entailed the closure of a hiking trail to reduce maintenance costs, re-vegetate and reduce soil erosion, as well as new areas of no-mow zones that will convert meadow areas to new tree canopy along the forest edges of the park. Three small parcels within the forest environs of Rock Creek Park were targeted for restoration and rehabilitation plantings:
• We planted 41 trees with Dumbarton Oaks Conservancy as part of an incremental stream valley invasive species removal and restoration project. Intermediate-sized trees grown in root-control bags were used for this rather steep slope in a riparian natural area to control erosion and jump start the revegetation of native species following the removal of Norway maple, English ivy and other invasives.
• The Piney Branch Wood Thrush Restoration project sought to restore migratory song-bird habitat, primarily that of the state bird of Washington, D.C. — the wood thrush. With a mix of native species, including large caliper B&B trees, and small, onegallon native seedlings from locally collected seeds, we planted 30 trees. Protection measures were used to help keep invasive weeds and the voracious deer at bay.
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has seen many trees removed, with limited canopy replacement, and the new traffic resulting from the retail development will undoubtedly increase. Trees as traffic-calming and pollution-amending devices could not be better situated.
Piney Branch Restoration
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• St. Elizabeth’s, a facility within the DC Department NW
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of Mental Health, was the recipient of 100 new trees around the grounds of the relatively new hospital. Embellishing the campus, the trees will help create tranquil retreats for patients, reduce human stress and enhance healing levels.
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• At the Armed Forces Retirement Home, we planted
1. Serviceberry 2. American Holly 3. Hornbeam 4. Red Maple 5. Persimmon 6. American Elm 7. Hackberry 8. Tulip Poplar
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• Within the extensive grounds under the purview of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 32 trees were planted by Casey Trees and the zoo’s horticulture staff as part of natural area reforestation within a deer-fencing enclosure/exclosure.
SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS Four unique projects help illustrate the range of more intangible benefits of trees.
• The program’s first planting in 2012 added 100 trees in a mile-long median of Fort Lincoln Drive NE, adjacent to an area of tremendous canopy loss from the development of the Costco, where many acres of forest were removed. This corner of town
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more than 50 trees in conjunction with a historic landscape renovation. The design included Korean kousa dogwoods to honor the large resident population of Korean War veterans. The new trees have a special duty to honor history, service and sacrifice, and provide solace to the many veterans who call this home.
• College campuses aren’t all buildings and ball fields. We created a new grove of 26 shade trees this fall at The Catholic University of America. Here trees play a vital role to define communal spaces, reflect school character and pride, and create inspiring places to nurture creativity and learning. Casey Trees continues to seek out new and innovative planting opportunities to help attain our tree canopy goal of 40 percent and make the Washington area a healthier place to be.
Follow Casey Trees to read more about the great programs that are helping increase the canopy of Washington, D.C.
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Best Non-Profit Things to know: • You just need a valid email address. You do NOT need to be a D.C. resident to vote. • Vote for Casey Trees now and you will receive a link via email so you can fill in the rest of your ballot later. Only one ballot per person is allowed. • Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 1.
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February 2014 | theleaflet
Technology & Research Cities look to manage environmental impact of winter salt treatments By Joe Duszak, Technical Services and Research Intern, Casey Trees | With winter storms and freezing temperatures seizing much of the country, an estimated 22 million tons of salt will be needed to de-ice U.S. roads and sidewalks. Critical to the safety of pedestrians and drivers, this public service also poses a serious threat to urban trees as snow melts and salt is absorbed into tree boxes and local watersheds. Road salt has come in a variety of forms over the years, but the most widely-used method is sodium chloride (NaCl), a compound used to lower the freezing temperature of snow and ice. Despite its effectiveness in reducing icy streets, the compound quickly becomes an ecological hazard when runoff drives the remaining salt towards absorbent soils and streams. During this process, sodium and chlorine ions separate, creating a micro-drought in affected areas, which diminishes a tree’s ability to absorb water. Under these conditions, come springtime, many affected trees see minimal or delayed leaf-out, crown die-back or early leaf fall. Urban forests are nearly synonymous with chlorotic soils, and often require attentive speciesselection to survive such conditions. Added stress to urban trees in the form of sodium chloride could be the tipping point for increased mortality. But with a threat to public safety outweighing the environmental risks, what alternatives remain that keep trees on a level playing field?
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| February 2014
Numerous municipalities have made efforts in recent years to reduce their salt usage for both budget and ecological benefit. Minor adjustments have already gone a long way, like calibrating salt-dispersal to minimize spraying, adding sand and gravel to the compound or mixing salt with water before dispatching trucks. But many cities are making headway in alternative methods of reducing ice. Washington, D.C.’s snow patrol deploys a mixture of salt brine and beet juice, a combination that reduces environmental degradation and helps salt bind to the asphalt. Yet, the District is not alone in its new ice-prevention methods. In addition to beet juice blends, some cities have turned to cheese brine and sugar cane molasses to supplement their road salt.
The compounds in road salts can cause drought-like conditions in urban soils, affecting a tree’s ability to absorb water.
It is unlikely that road salt use will be eliminated in the near future, but efforts to reduce the effects it has on our urban environment show headway towards safer and more sustainable practices that protect our citizens and our trees.
Winterize your trees to help protect them from the season’s harsh conditions.
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Events February and March classes, events and volunteer opportunities February and March are full of classes, tree tours and planting events to participate in. Become a Casey Trees Member to receive exclusive benefits, such as advance registration to events like those below!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Class: Trees 201 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE
Biodiversity Symposium 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Smithsonian National Zoological Park 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
Class: Tree Planting Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Avenue NE
In this follow-up our Trees 101 class participants will learn more advanced tree identification skills and the process for identifying the right tree for the right place.
In partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Pogo Tree Experts, Casey Trees is hosting a Biodiversity Symposium that will highlight the ecological variety of our urban forests while stressing the importance of a diverse tree canopy in the face of many challenges. Practitioners in urban forestry, landscape architecture and other related fields will benefit from this more advanced discussion.
This workshop is the first step to becoming a Citizen Forester Team Leader and helping Casey Trees at future plantings by instructing other volunteers! Team Leader candidates will learn how to select and prepare a tree planting site and properly plant the tree to ensure its survival.
Cost: Free, CLASS IS FULL **This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Social: Branch Out Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Stoney’s 1433 P Street NW Join us at Stoney’s in Logan Circle for our monthly social happy hour for friends and volunteers! Free and open to all.
Cost: Free **ISA and SAF Continuing Education Credits offered.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Class: Fruit Tree Workshop 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. U.S. National Arboretum 24th and R Streets NE Join fruit tree expert Michael Phillips, author of The Apple Grower and The Holistic Orchard, as he leads a workshop on how to grow healthy and thriving fruit trees. The session will include information on fruit tree basics such as pruning, fungal disease management and insect challenges. Come learn how to build system health in your orchard or fruit trees!
Cost: Free **This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Social: Branch Out Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. El Rey 919 U Street NW March’s Branch Out will be at El Rey, a bar and taqueria and one of U Street’s newest establishments. Come celebrate with us as spring is only around the corner.
Cost: $40 **ISA Continuing Education Credits offered. 12
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Volunteer
SUNDAY, MARCH 23 Tree Tour: Gold Mine Tract at Great Falls 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11710 MacArthur Boulevard Potomac, Md. Welcome spring with a hike through the Gold Mine Tract at Great Falls, the first forest in Maryland to be inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network. Join Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission’s Forest Ecologist Carole Bergmann and explore this exceptional forest habitat. Cost: Free **Advance registration was offered exclusively to Casey Trees Members. Join today to receive benefits such as advance registration. The event will open to the public on Feb. 13.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Tree Tour: Cherry Blossom Walk 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location determined upon registration Join Washington Walks and Casey Trees for a walking tour recounting how Japanese cherry trees came to be planted in the District and the different varieties found in the area. The walk will also include up-close looks at other notable trees along the National Mall.
Volunteer opportunities are in blue. Citizen Forester-only plantings or trainings are in green. Schools and special planting events are not open to outside volunteers. Advance registration for volunteer events is given to Casey Trees Members, so join today! Registration opens to the general public on Feb. 6.
MARCH DATE
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Saturday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Saturday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Marie Reed Recreation Center Washington Latin PCS IDEA PCS The Catholic University of America E.L. Haynes PCS Cardozo High School Drew Freeman Middle School (Md.) Excel PCS Petworth Neighborhood Gwynn Park High School (Md.) Capital City PCS Rosedale Conservancy Bruce Monroe at Park View Neval Thomas Elementary School Garfield Park Rosedale Community Garden
Thursday Saturday Saturday Thursday Saturday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Saturday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Garrison Elementary School St. Joseph’s Seminary Shepherd Park Robert Goddard Montessori School (Md.) Quincy Street Neighbors Edgewood Neighborhood Fair Haven Community Center (Va.) Imagine Hope - Lamond PCS Langdon Park
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Cost: $20 **Registration for this event is through the Washington Walks website.
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Arbor Kids Cone Study Now is a good time to take a closer look at evergreen tree cones.
DOUGLAS FIR
NORWAY SPRUCE
VIRGINIA PINE
EASTERN HEMLOCK
Go outside and collect some cones that have already fallen off trees. Pines, firs, spruces and hemlocks all have different cones. Take a look at their outside scales. Some are smooth, some have armored (or spiked) scales that are sharp. Look at the difference in thickness of the scales between cones. Then start looking inside your cones. Do you see any insects on the cones? Gently shake the cones onto a white piece of paper to see what falls out.
See if you can separate some of the scales from the cone to see the seeds. Try cutting or pulling your pinecone in half to get a better look at the inside of the cone
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February 2014 | theleaflet