Tree and Plant Biodiversity

Eastern hemlock is a coniferous tree that favors the cool and humid climate along the Appalachian Mountains. Hemlocks can grow more than 150 feet tall and live for more than 800 years. Their short, dense needles provide excellent habitat for many kinds of wildlife, from warblers to bobcats. Unfortunately, healthy hemlocks are becoming increasingly rare due to the invasive insect called hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). New efforts by the Virginia Dept. of Forestry are combatting this invasive bug with another bug.

The Princess Tree was imported from China in the 1800s and has become an aggressive, invasive plant in much of the mid-Atlantic and mid-South states.

The News and Notes roundup for this issue reminds you that now's the time to order tree seedlings for your spring tree planting projects in Maryland and Virginia, looks at a proposal to reintroduce an extirpated species to Pennsylvania's forests, and how you can get your green industry business listed with the Woodland Stewardship Education program's online directory.

This issue has a year in review, the Woodland Wildlife Spotlight, Invasives in Your Woodland, the Brain Tickler challenge, how native trees and shrubs can benefit wildlife, and more.

Planting trees helps your natural areas in many ways. They contribute to cleaner air and water, increase shade to reduce energy costs, and provide habitat for wildlife. Providers of tree planting services are listed here.

Chosen tree management, previously known as "crop tree management," is a proactive method for encouraging selected trees in your woodland.

The Woodland Health Assessment consists of a checklist and a series of management actions. Property owners can use them to identify potential areas for management, based on their particular objectives.

Read our "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," and take the Brain Tickler challenge. There's also an introduction to two new members of the Woodland Stewardship Education program team, and an announcement about the fall 2018 Maryland Woodland Stewards workshop.

News and Notes items for the Winter 2021 issue of Branching Out

Are you a homeowner with a blanket of lawn you wish was occupied with natural vegetation and trees? This publication summarizes some of the features of the Woodland Stewardship Education's "The Woods in Your Backyard" program.