Pawpaw Fruit with Seeds. Photo by Kristina Blokhin/ Adobe Stock
In this issue: With warmer weather comes a reminder to stay vigilant about woodland threats, and a look at the importance of pollen. There's an assessment of ghost forests in the region, plus a roundup of news you might have missed. Read about the pawpaw in our "Native Trees of Maryland" feature and about glossy buckthorn in our "Invasives in Your Woodland" feature. And more!
Enjoy the Season, But Stay Vigilant
Andrew A. Kling, Branching Out editor
Enjoy the warm weather, but continue to stay on the lookout for woodland threats from invasive diseases, plants, and insects.
Welcome, Daniel Pratson
Daniel Pratson has joined UME as a Natural Resources specialist with statewide duties. He recently finished his Ph.D. in Natural Resources at the University of Vermont; he also has an M.S from Virginia Tech and a B.A. from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
No Pollen, No Seasonal Allergies … & No Trees
Daniel Pratson, Extension Natural Resources Specialist
Though pollen can be vilified for wreaking havoc on our immune systems each spring, it serves an important role in tree reproduction and more.
Native Trees of Maryland: The Pawpaw, Asimina triloba
Lisa Kuder, Native Plants & Landscapes Extension Specialist
Pawpaws, prized for their tasty fruits, produce the largest native fruit in North America. Their fruits contain high levels of essential amino acids. This small understory tree (10-40’ tall), might be a fun and fitting option for your backyard woods.
News and Notes
In the News and Notes roundup for this issue: A new book from Doug Tallamy provides 400+ answers to the question, "How can I help?"; the Virginia DOF announces a cost-share program to help protect against emerald ash borer; a University of Maryland team tests a drone system to detect and combat wildfires; and the MD Department of Transportation announced state funding to support tree plantings in 12 communities.
Ghost forests are growing as sea levels rise
Jude Colman, knowablemagazine.org
Clusters of tree trunks, stripped clean of bark, are appearing along the Chesapeake Bay on the United States’ mid-Atlantic coast. They are ghost forests: the haunting remains of what were once stands of cedar and pine.
Invasives in Your Woodland: Glossy Buckthorn
Andrew A. Kling, Faculty Associate
Glossy Buckthorn is now found in 29 states and several Canadian provinces from Nova Scotia to Idaho and from Québec to Tennessee. Currently, it is reported in five Maryland counties, but given that it is observed as far west as Garrett Co. and as far east as Worcester Co., it may exist elsewhere.
This Issue’s Brain Tickler...
Last issue we asked about the first species we covered in Branching Out ‘s new feature, “Invasives in Your Woodland,” in February 2016. The answer is Japanese Stiltgrass. Congratulations to Fred Dickinson for his correct answer!
For this issue, consider these two dates: May 2, 1941 and June 6, 2002. How are these dates connected in Maryland forest history?
Thanks for reading -- we have a correct answer! See our next issue for the winner!
Events Calendar
July 15-18, 2025
The American Forest Congress Meeting
Washington DC
The congress is a gathering of natural resource management leaders focused on discussing and shaping forest policy in the U.S. The decision to convene soon is driven by the congress’ goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and focus on the vital role forests play in providing natural climate solutions. The theme of this meeting is Equity & Climate, to highlight the congress’ commitment to diversity. Learn more at this link.
July 30-31, 2025
Teaching Trees for Teachers
New Kent Forestry Center, VA
A 2-day training for middle and high school teachers who wish to incorporate forestry into a science or agriculture curriculum. The workshop focuses on local forest ecology, management, and products, and includes real-world, field-based activities for students. Class includes 14 hours of instruction, two SOL-correlated Project Learning Tree modules and related supplies, and ideas for incorporating forestry field study into classes. Cost is $25 (lodging reimbursement is available to those traveling outside the area). Learn more and register by June 3 here.
November 7-9, 2025
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Chesapeake Watershed Forum
National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown WV
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s 20th Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum, is a watershed-wide event reaching over 400 restoration and protection practitioners to inspire and empower local action towards clean water. We share successful tools and techniques, offer lessons and learnings from on-the-ground work, build capacities of local organizations, foster partnerships, educate on new initiatives and emerging practices, network with others, and celebrate our successes. Learn more and register here.
Branching Out, Vol. 33, no. 2 (Spring 2025)
Branching Out is the free, quarterly newsletter of the Woodland Stewardship Education program. For more than 30 years, Branching Out has kept Maryland woodland owners and managers informed about ways to develop and enhance their natural areas, how to identify and control invasive plants and insects, and about news and regional online and in-person events.
