Forest Health

In this issue: Read about the resilience of woodlands and why they need early successional habitat. Plus, registration for the fall session of our "The Woods in Your Backyard" course is now open. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Eastern Hemlock, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at creeping Jenny. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

As is the case with a considerable number of invasive species in North America in general and Maryland specifically, creeping Jenny has become naturalized in ecosystems across the continent. Although it only grows a few inches high, the stems branch out up to six feet and can cause thick mats that displace native species.

Early successional habitat, which is characterized by open canopy conditions and mixtures of young trees, shrubs, and grasses, plays a critical role in many wildlife species’ life cycles, but accounts for only a fraction of the total terrestrial habitat across Maryland and has declined as forests mature. Consider creating these habitats in your next planting project.

Eastern hemlock trees grow well in shaded conditions, so they are more commonly found in later-successional, mature forests. Hemlocks take about 250-300 years to reach maturity; scientists have found individuals that have persisted for 800 years or longer. These trees prefer moist growing conditions, so they are often found along forested streambanks.

Brush piles attract and help wildlife. Easy-to-build brush piles boost the cover quality of young forest and shrubland.

Are you a small-acreage property owner who wants to learn how to care for or how to expand existing woodlands, or how to convert lawn space to woodlands? Then join us for our self-directed, non-credit online course. It runs for ten weeks, from August 31 to November 9.

Trees are resilient. In the face of natural events – drought, floods, lightning, wildfires, tropical storms, and tornados, to name a few – woodlands can rebound from such challenges with persistence. But sometimes they need help.

In the News and Notes roundup for this issue: An iconic tree may have died. The governor of Maryland wants construction projects to use Maryland wood whenever possible. The US Forest Service has a new app for recreational visitors. And a follow up on Baltimore City's deer management program.

In this issue: Learn about the practice called "treewashing." Read about how AI is helping scientists track the growth of ghost forests and about the science behind DC's iconic cherry blossoms. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the American Basswood, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Bee-bee Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Since its debut as a regular Branching Out feature in 2016, "Invasives in Your Woodland" has profiled a wide variety of invasive plant species that threated the health of Maryland's ecosystems.