Tre e C are Ad v i s o r New s l e t t e r http:// www.mntca.org Inside This Issue:
Ahhh Spring! As reluctant as winter is to release
Rodent brief… By Dave Hanson
1 his/her grasp this year—there is no doubt that
DirT (p)articles By Polly and Sally
2 dee is busy preparing a nesting site.
Potluck—TCA Grads Welcome Class of 2008 And Volunteer Opportunity Dave Hanson American Chestnut 2008 Update Training By Rebecca Koetter
Volume 15 Number 2 Spring 2008
Dave Hanson and Gary Johnson, Managing Editors
spring is here. Even this small black-capped chicka3
The spring ephemerals are heralding the warmer weather with a beautiful bloom season. So,
4 visit your favorite park or wildflower garden to take
in their beauty. 5
As you join in planting days this spring— please take a few pictures of the trees that you help
6 plant—see Sally McNamara’s note on page 7.
Lastly, now is a good time to start removing ‘Commemorative’ Tree By Sally McNamara Contacts The Story Terminator
7 winter protection and last years stakes… The
growing season is underway. 8
Black-capped chickadee hollowing out a decayed stump for a nest.
Enjoy the planting season!
Photo: Dave Hanson 4-15-08
Rodent Brief... Last winter’s issue highlighted several common critters as potential vandals of trees and shrubs in the landscape. Several of those discussed are common rodents in the urban environment that damage the bark on trees or, as you know, cut down trees. Squirrels, voles, and beaver are all quite common in urban landscapes and the damage reports are also quite common. However, one member of the rodent class was not discussed. Porcupine are not common—but do occur in the metro on occasion — . Porcupine prefer the bark on various conifers, but quite frequently the damage can be seen on hardwoods as the picture of red oak at the left illustrates. Residents and landowners of Northern Minnesota see porcupine feeding more often than metro area residents.
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