Commonfields Fall 2017
Board of Directors Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair E. William Reichert, Vice-Chair Ronda Latina, 2nd Vice-Chair Stephen Parrish, Treasurer Robert Nelson, Secretary William Armstrong William Boardman Brenda Chandler Dawnesha Johnson Robert Knobeloch Nancy Larson Charles Meier Cliff Schuette
Managing Team
Mary Vandevord, President & CEO Ed Weilbacher, Vice PresidentBuilding Greener Communities Janet Buchanan, Project Manager Sarah Vogt, Project Manager Kim O’Bryan, Development & Events Director Tim Ashe, Associate Planner Trisha Roberson, Accountant Laura L. Lyon, Special Projects Coordinator Steve Widowski, Special Projects Coordinator/Wildlife Biologist Michael Andreas, Agricultural Engineer 406 E Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 www.heartlandsconservancy.org info@heartlandsconservancy.org HLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible. Cover: Fall at Mill Creek Preserve by the late Bill Freeman.
“Trees constitute the environmental quality committee—running air and water purification service 24-7. They’re on every task force, from the historical society...to the library. When it comes to civic beautification, they alone create the crimson fall with little recognition.” -Robin Wall Kimmerer Fall is almost upon us, and I can’t wait. It’s my favorite season. The air turns crisp and cool. The squirrels and groundhogs scramble around to save up the last of summer’s bounty. Soon the pumpkins will ripen and kids will be carving scary faces into them. Fall is also the perfect time to think about trees. The trees of southwestern Illinois really like to “show off” this time of year. In doing so, they remind us to pause and take a look at them. It’s like the trees are telling us to pay attention! The trees, in their full display of rainbow colors, remind us that they are important to our lives. They provide food for the animals, refuge for the birds, filtration for the rain, and shade for our overheated bodies. They give us oxygen to breathe and firewood for warmth. Whether you stop to look at them or not, without trees, we couldn’t live. All trees are important of course, but oaks may be the most important to our region. The fruit of the oaks - the
acorn - is the most important wildlife food in deciduous North America. At least 96 animal species feed on oaks, including deer and turkeys. Twenty-eight species of cavity nesting birds and 260 insect species benefit from oak trees. Oak litter may also be better for amphibian development in the Spring. (Dan Shaver 2008). Our ecosystem in southwestern Illinois couldn’t function without our native oaks. So, in this edition of Commonfields, we are focusing on trees, such as identifying recent tree health problems with Marty Kemper and discussing appropriate trees for city environments with Meridith Perkins. We’re also pleased to report that we received a grant from the US Forest Service to restore tree canopy in the urban areas of the Metro East. We’ll be working with communities over the next two years to bring the forests back to where we so badly need them. Cheers to trees! Mary Vandevord President & CEO
HeartLands Conservancy
Commonfields Fall 2017
Over the past three years, I have been encountering people who have noticed damage to their trees in yards and forests. Most of the time the affected trees are oaks. Prominent symptom is usually leaf cupping, a phenomenon where the edges of the leaf bend down (or sometimes up). As symptoms worsen, the leaf takes on more or less a “boxing glove” look, at least toward the end of the leaf… an analogy I owe to District Forester Mark Brown at Sparta who has been seeing the same symptoms. These symptoms have been observed in Clinton, Coles, Jackson, Jefferson, Logan, Marion, Madison, McLean, Menard, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington counties. Other symptoms occasionally observed include wrinkled (wavy) leaf edges, leaves that are unnaturally small, yellowed and thickened on the end (especially in redbud), deformed asymmetrical leaves, bunched appearance of leaves on the twigs, and twisted petioles which may cause leaves to be oriented sideways or upside down. Branch die-back and even tree mortality is occurring at some sites. Acorn production appears significantly reduced in affected oaks. Oak species are commonly affected with white, post, black, and red oaks most often observed with symptoms. Injury to redbud may even be more widespread. If present, redbud nearly always shows symptoms at sites where oak damage is present. Other species may also be involved including
Widespread Tree Damage by Martin Kemper
hickories, box elder, flowering dogwood, sugar and other “hard” maples. I have even seen affected Bradford pear. Pin oak, appears one of the least visibly affected oaks, though it to will show some leaf deformations – usually at sites with more severe symptoms in other trees.
This type of tree injury is occurring in almost every conceivable location. Trees in both large and small forest stands show symptom as do city parks, cemeteries, pubic campgrounds and picnic areas, and residential lawns. Many state and privately owned nature preserves protected in the Illinois Nature Preserves system as the best remaining examples of particular forest communities show damage. What is causing this situation? My observation is that this issue emerged at this scale starting in 2015 (perhaps a little before). Since then, I have been photodocumenting injury in more than two dozen stands. In general, these symptoms are being found in areas where agricultural fields area common within a few miles radius. Just as important, my observations, and the reports of others, indicate trees in larger areas with limited cropland are absent the observed symptoms (e.g.,
HeartLands Conservancy
Shawnee National Forest).
This is important in helping understand what may be the cause for the widespread damage for several reasons. The injuries observed fit those that one would expect if herbicide drift exposure was a cause. However, what I have described here does not provide definitive evidence of herbicide-related damage. There are other conditions that could, at least on occasion, create some similar symptoms. Pinpointing exact causation clearly deserves increased focus and rapid resolve to avoid major tree and forest damages. What can an individual do? Most important is to monitor tree health on one’s own property or other areas where one has access. Checking oaks and redbuds are especially important. Binoculars are sometimes needed to see canopy condition. Time is of the essence as leaf senescence and leaf fall will soon occur in the area. Creating a photo record of any issues observed is recommended. If you notice these symptoms, contact HeartLands Conservancy. Photos: Left- Redbud, Edwardsville, IL AboveScarlet Oak, Dorsey, IL (Taken by Mary Vandevord)
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Nature Photography Workshop at Cahokia Mounds The site includes great hiking trails and serene woodlands and marshes. On October 28, professional photographer Mike Matney will lead us on a Nature Photography workshop at Cahokia Mounds. Mike will share some tips for photographing wildlife and landscapes. The trees should be in full fall color, giving us a fantastic canvas for nature photography. Cahokia Mounds is the largest preColumbian settlement north of Mexico. It was home to the Mississippian people from 800 - 1400 AD. Cahokia was once larger than London and the epicenter for trade in North America. The Mississippians built earthen mounds, many still present today at Cahokia Mound State Historic Site. The site is also home to some fantastic trails and wildlife viewing spots. Wildlife at Cahokia Mounds includes deer, meadowlarks, egrets, turtles, turkeys, and red-tailed hawks.
Bring your camera, hiking shoes, and water. No experience necessary. Space is limited to 20 people. Register by October 26: Web: www.heartlandsconservancy.org Email: treks@heartlandsconservancy.org Call: Sarah Vogt at 618-566-4451 x 23 Mike’s beautiful photography can be found on facebook and on his website: www.mikematney.com
Mounds Initiative You may have heard that HeartLands Conservancy is working on a National Park designation for Cahokia Mounds. This project is still underway, and progress is being made at the federal level. For more information on our Mounds Initiative, visit: www.heartlandsconservancy.org/ mounds.php
Thanks to all who attended for your patience and good attitudes despite the 102 degree heat that day. We loved seeing your photos! Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom We continue to make progress on Signal Hill’s Outdoor Classroom project. Volunteers worked twice over the summer to remove invasive and undesirable species from the classroom site. On October 12, 13 and 14, we will host community planting days and installation days for seating and signs. Photo: Kerry Brethauer
Highlights of Recent Events
Want to get involved? Contact Laura Lyon at laura.lyon@ heartlandsconservancy.org
Field to Fork Our 8th Annual Field to Fork event was a smashing success! We raised over $25,000 for conservation in one night. Thank you to everyone who raised their forks for our cause! Money raised at Field to Fork benefits our programs to conserve open space, build greener communities, and engage people with nature. A special thank you to the ultragenerous farms, chefs, businesses, and attendees for a beautiful night. Save the date for next year July 23, 2018!
Total Eclipse of the Heart(Lands) Nearly 200 people, our members, friends and families, trekked out to Mill Creek Natural Area in Randolph County to witness the total solar eclipse on August 21st.
US Forest Service Grant to Restore Urban Tree Canopy in the Metro East We are pleased to announce that we received a grant from the US Forest Service to restore tree canopy in communities in Madison and St. Clair Counties.
Thank you to all who donated and prepared the food: Hilgenbrinks, Schuettes, Troyans, Roses, Armstrongs, Latinas, Dahmlanns, Larsons, Ashes, Buchanans, Vogts, Vandevords, and Weilbachers. Thanks to Connie Vogt for providing shuttle service all day, the Nelsons for surprising us with wine, and Kim O’Bryan for the sun and moon tunes and a great event!
The nearly $200,000 grant will map the amount and condition of our tree canopy in the region and develop a roadmap for improving the canopy. After determining the needs, trees will be planted in several communities. More information will be presented at our annual Communities Conference on November 3 (see back cover).
HeartLands Conservancy
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Famed for its endurance and longevity, strength, and steadfastness, the White Oak is regarded spiritually as the Tree of Life. Among the largest and longest-lived oaks of southwestern Illinois, the White Oak provides long-term sustenance and protection to all living things in our region. Because of this, we consider the White Oak something special. The White Oak Society honors the individuals, corporations, and foundations making annual leadership gifts of $500 or more to HeartLands Conservancy. Many of the programs we offer and natural areas and farms we have protected is the result of this growing circle of friends. White Oak Society members are invited to exclusive events of HeartLands Conservancy, such as unveilings of new nature trails and intimate gatherings at local farms or nature areas. We invite you to join this growing and dedicated group. Contact Kim O’Bryan at 618-566-4451 x 10 or email kim.obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org
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Plant This! Not That! Fall Color Trees by Meridith Perkins, Davey Resource Group Blackgum is native and a few outstanding cultivars like ‘Wild Fire’ and ‘Afterburner’ stand out as winners. I also love Persian parrotia, Parrotia persica, for a bold combination of fall color or American hornbeam, Carpinus virginiana ‘Native Flame’ for a pop of red. Finally, scarlet oak, Quercus coccinea could be a good shade tree choice to add a more subtle, but still stunning, russet red to the landscape.
Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica Photo: NetPS Plant Finder
Autumn inspires artists to paint in warm hues, baristas to break out the pumpkin spice lattes, and arborists to get on their tree planting bandwagon! In fall, people tend to celebrate the outstanding colors of the changing season but don’t always connect that with an urge to contribute. This year, consider enhancing your yard with new trees so that you and your neighbors can enjoy the show up close, as well as benefit from all the other important services trees provide. Here are a few ideas to start you off: Maples often dominate our fall color inspiration with varying shades of red and orange. However, they tend to be over planted and do not always thrive in urban soils. You can get the same brilliant red fall color in blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica.
Scarlet Oak, Quercus coccinea Photo: honeytreenursery.com
Flowering pear has been popular over the years for its spring and fall show, but now we know that this tree is invasive and should not be planted. Instead, consider a serviceberry, Amelanchier x grandiflora
Sassafras, sassafras albidum Photo:NC State University
If all this fall color talk has you rolling your eyes and your favorite color is green, plant an evergreen and enjoy a consistent verdant backdrop year-round. Besides the traditional conifers, southern magnolias hold their leaves, have beautiful flowers, and cool seed pods. Try Magnolia grandiflora ‘Brackens Brown Beauty’ for its success through Midwest winters.
Service Berry, amelanchier x grandiflora ‘autumn brilliance’ Photo: gasper landscape
‘Autumn Brilliance’ for that white spring flower and bright red fall color. Or, take a chance with a clump of one of my favorite natives, sassafras, sassafras albidum. These guys will need to be planted small and can be tricky to get established but worth the risk. Thanks to emerald ash borer, our green and white ash will be a thing of the past. Instead of green ash, try ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, as an adaptable city tree with bold yellow fan shaped leaves (bonus: the leaves of ginkgo fall all at once for easy raking). The purple fall color of white ash is hard to beat, but flowering dogwood, Cornus florida comes pretty close.
HeartLands Conservancy
Ginkgo, ginkgo biloba Photo: LSU Ag Center
Establishing trees in the fall will give them a little extra time to settle in before the big energy demands of spring and summer. So go plant a tree, then celebrate with some chilli, spiced cider, and a hayride.
Meridith is an ISA-Certified Arborist with Davey Resource Group, a division of the Davey Tree Expert Company. She is also the Manager of the St. Louis Regional Urban Forestry Consortium.
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Upcoming Events Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Community Planting Days | October 12, 13, 14, 2017 9 am - 12 pm | Along bike path at 22 Signal Park Lane, Belleville, IL Nature Photography Hike with Mike Matney | October 28, 2017 | Cahokia Mounds Free - Registration required www.heartlandsconservancy.org/treks Bringing Forests Back to Communities Seminar | November 3, 2017 | 7:30 - 9 am $25 Members; $30 Non-Members | N.O. Nelson Campus, 600 Troy Rd, Edwardsville Jingle Hike Challenge | November 23 - January 1 | Region-wide Scavenger Hunt Details coming soon! Follow us on social media to take the challenge!
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org 406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 (618) 566-4451
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