Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts

Your cedar tree is not dying

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Normal, seasonal change in Western Redcedar trees

Story and photo from WSU Extension Puget Sound Forest Stewardship

It's that time of year when the western red cedars (and all the other conifers -- but it's most visible in the cedars) do their fall housekeeping. Trees that look like this are NOT dying. 

Just like their deciduous counterparts, evergreen conifers shed foliage in the fall. However, they are only shedding their innermost foliage, which is their oldest foliage. 

This foliage may be several years old. Over time, the photosynthetic productivity of foliage decreases due to shading from newer foliage, internal wear-and-tear, and dirt that accumulates. 

Abscission of the older foliage occurs when it costs the tree more to maintain them than it’s getting back via photosynthesis, or if the tree would obtain a net gain in productivity by transferring resources from the older needles to the newer, more productive needles. 

When it is time for the abscission of older foliage on evergreen conifers, the foliage will turn color and fall off the tree, similar to what happens to the foliage on deciduous trees. 

This is a normal part of conifer growth which will resolve itself with the changing of the seasons. 

This seasonal phenomenon tends to be highly visible in western redcedar because of the nature of its foliage; it has overlapping scales for foliage instead of individual needles. Thus, instead of small individual needles turning color, entire branchlets turn color.



Read more...

Fallen tree in Northcrest Park

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

 
Photo by Seattle Poppy

This hazardous tree in Northcrest Park decided to take care of itself instead of waiting for the Parks department.

This is a beautiful park with a nice walking trail. It is located at 827 NE 170th St, Shoreline, WA 98155 in the block across from Ridgecrest Elementary School. It is lined with houses that back onto the park.



Read more...

Tree of the Month: This Little Shore Pine

Monday, September 27, 2021

Shore Pine tree photo by Boni Biery
By Boni Biery 

I have a tree in my yard that I used to just call a Shore Pine, but it turns out this tree (the small one, with the curving trunk and loaded with "flowers” in the middle) is just one of several subspecies of Lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) that share the name Shore Pine. 

So, I have learned that to be sure I name it correctly I need to use its botanical name to separate it from the others. 

It is actually a Pinus contorta ssp. contorta. This NW native grows from southern Alaska along the coast into northern California. 

These are tough, adaptable trees and will survive in wetter sites than other pine trees so long as they have enough sunlight. 

They also have a very high tolerance for salt spray and are often seen growing near our salty beaches with each tree maturing to its own twisting (contorta), picturesque shape.

These beautiful, native trees seldom exceed 35-50 feet in height. They have dark brown, scaly bark and can be further identified by their relatively short, often twisted needles in bunches of two needles each.

Just imagine, this one, small to medium-sized evergreen is a veritable grocery store for a whole community of creatures.

Some of the birds in my yard known to enjoy the cones are: crossbills, chickadees, nuthatches, finches, bushtits, siskins and kinglets. They forage through the cones in search of seed and insect treasures depending on their needs. And of course, the squirrels forage the cones for seeds too.

Each spring the male “flowers” are initially cheerful, pale yellow packets of pollen in clusters near the tips of the old growth branches. The female flowers are little, dark purple cone-shaped formations that will mature into 1-2” cones borne in either pairs or clusters which point backward toward the trunk.

Pinus Contorta. Photo by Robert L. Carr

The Pinus contorta var. contorta is also a larval host plant for our native Western Pine Elfin butterfly. Eggs are laid at the base of young needles; caterpillars feed on young needles and catkins. Chrysalis overwinters and adults emerge in spring as butterflies. These then move on to a number of flowers that serve as “host plants” for nectar.

While I have not seen this butterfly nor its eggs, I like knowing that it would have place to live should it fly into my yard.

Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon).
Photo by David 
Droppers, WA Butterfly Association

In addition to all of this, this tree has long hosted red-breasted sapsucker(s) as confirmed by the tell-tale rows of sap-wells made by them that go ‘round and ‘round the trunk. While I never see more than one sapsucker at a time, the sap “wells” help to feed many. The sticky sap wells themselves offer food plus they entrap insects that small birds, including our hummers, eat.

Red-Breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Daniel Fitzgerald

How fortunate I am to have this tree and all of its wildlife visitors to observe, and I know that my human neighbors like it too. If you have the space, I encourage you to plant one. They are well positioned to be successful as our climate grows warmer. The birds will surely thank you.

Boni Biery is a Habitat Steward, Native Tree Advocate, and Hillwood Resident

Save Shoreline Trees is a community non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of our tall native trees. www.saveshorelinetrees.com



Read more...

Autumn on N 185th

Sunday, September 26, 2021

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The street trees lining N 185th are turning color to create an avenue of gold. Sadly, the power lines get in the way of the trees so City Light crews come out annually and cut large sections out of the trees on the south side of the street.

Right now the foliage and fall color hides the pruning, so enjoy the view.

--DKH



Read more...

Fall foliage

Friday, September 24, 2021

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Seems like these trees changed color almost overnight.



Read more...

Hazardous trees removed from Northcrest Park

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Shoreline parks maintenance crews removed hazardous trees from Northcrest Park on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Northcrest is an open space / natural area park at 827 NE 170th Street in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood.



Read more...

Trees for Rail in Shoreline - addresses along the Lynnwood Link get free trees

Sunday, September 5, 2021

KCD at the Shoreline Farmers
Market on Saturday
King Conservation District, Sound Transit, and the City of Shoreline are pleased to announce Trees for Rail, a partnership to re-green the Lynnwood Link light rail corridor with native trees and shrubs as it passes through Shoreline.

KCD staff recently attended Shoreline Farmers Market to get the word out and answer questions.

The first of its kind partnership seeks to utilize King Conservation District’s County-wide Urban Tree Canopy program to establish native vegetation and tree canopy to reduce the impact on corridor-adjacent homeowners. 

This partnership leverages the resources of Sound Transit and will serve to meet Shoreline’s landscaping requirements.

KCD will be tabling once more at the Shoreline Farmers Market on Saturday September 11, 2021. Stop by to find out more information. 

The Market is held on the upper level of Shoreline Place at 155th and Westminster Way, near Central Market.


Read more...

Riparian restoration fosters a healthier McAleer Creek

Thursday, September 2, 2021

McAleer creek in Lake Forest Park

From the Lake Forest Park Tree Board

As you drive or walk along McAleer Creek, you’ll probably notice areas where the streambank and trees are choked with ivy. There are other less visible invasive plants, too, whose behavior threatens our local environment. 

Invasive plant species can clog waterways, increase erosion, poison our pets, and destroy natural habitat by smothering native flora. In fact, the aggressive spread of invasive species has increasingly been recognized as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity.

King County awarded the City a WaterWorks grant to fund invasive plant control, the purchase of replacement plants, and riparian restoration along the creek. The project began in 2020, and the work done so far has been a success, with a professional restoration crew having eradicated ivy and other invasives along a quarter mile stretch of the creek. This area will be planted with healthy native plants this coming fall and winter.

The restoration crew completed further invasive plant control on Monday, August 16, 2021 cleared trash and hand-removed ivy remnants from the site. On the shoulder of Perkins Way, they treated bindweed. It is not practical to remove bindweed by hand due to its ability to re-sprout from tiny fragments. The crew also treated remnant individual stalks of knotweed that have regenerated since last year’s treatment. 

Knotweed is a state-designated noxious weed: destructive, competitive, and difficult to control. Where appropriate, aquatic-approved herbicides were used.

A healthier McAleer Creek environment can improve water quality, reduce erosion and flooding, and improve habitat. It’s good for all -- people, our native plants, and our local wildlife.



Read more...

The Amazing Sequoia!

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Sequoiadendron giganteum
Giant Sequoia

Story and Photos by Melody Fosmore 
Save Shoreline Trees Co-Chair

We might equate the Giant Sequoia tree with the Giant Sequoia in California, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, but did you know these incredible trees can also be found in Washington State? 

Right here in Shoreline you can find several wonderful examples of these beautiful trees on the campus of Shoreline Community College. Their elegant trunks and cinnamon-red bark draw you closer to experience the symmetry and beauty of their limbs and unique presence in the landscape.

Sequoia roots
These trees are a personal favorite because everything about them speaks of an intense desire to live - in fact the Sequoiadendron giganteum is one of the longest living organisms on earth. 

They can be traced to the Triassic Period 200 million years ago when dinosaurs first appeared. 

It is said these trees are our present-day living dinosaurs with lifespans up to 3,000 years.

The “Mother of the Forest” was an ancient and huge Sequoiadendron giganteum tree that lived in the Sierra Nevada and whose remains are on display in the Calaveras Grove of Big Trees State Park. 

This tree was thought to be born 668 BC and died in 1854. In the Forest of Giants in the Olympic National Park, champion Sequoia trees thought to be 1000 years old still stand today. In the Quinault Rain Forest, you can find 6-8 of these giant trees.

The Sequoia tree is the fastest growing conifer on earth with up to 4 feet of upward growth by the third year. They have the potential to grow faster every year. 

As a carbon sink these trees are exceedingly valuable because they grow quickly, absorb carbon year-round, and live a long time.

The Sequoia tree is one of three species of coniferous trees known as redwoods. The Giant Sequoia are the most massive individual trees with average heights from 164-279ft and average mature trunk diameter ranging 20-26ft. 

Fire-resistant bark
This tree is highly adaptive to forest fires having a fire-resistant bark and their cones open right after a fire. 

It is interesting to note the seedlings depend on a fire to clear out the other foliage so they would have room to grow. The wood is resistant to decay but brittle and fibrous, making it unsuitable for construction.

This tree is part of the climate change answer. Ancient trees store at least three times more carbon above ground than any other tree on earth. 

Preserving and maintaining old-growth forests is the planet's first line of defense against climate change.

Take some time soon to find and enjoy our beautiful Sequoias here in Shoreline and throughout Washington!



Read more...

Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Partner organization SLLFP Senior Center will be on the agenda for the Parks Board meeting.
Photo courtesy SC is of a tai chi class.

Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board 
Meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680
Thursday August 26, 2021 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Agenda Highlights:
  • Director's Report
  • Community Partner Updates
  • 2020 Sustainability Report and Climate Action Plan Update
Link to the Full Meeting Agenda (PDF): 20210826 PRCS Tree Board Agenda Packet (57 pages)
Contact Us:
Lori Henrich, Administrative Assistant III
(206) 801-2602
lhenrich@shorelinewa.gov



Read more...

WSDOT cuts 34 tall trees for sidewalk project - but it could have been 133

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Photo by Melody Fosmore

By Melody Fosmore

Residents driving or walking along N 160th at Dayton Ave N will see a new view of the Washington State Department of Transportation building.

On Monday, approximately 34 tall trees were cut down as part of the WSDOT frontage renovation, permit DEV19-2371. 

WSDOT is in the midst of a $46.5 million dollar renovation which triggers the City code for frontage renovation. WSDOT is financially responsible for this renovation. 

Originally 133 tall trees were to be removed. Since November 2019, due to overwhelming public outcry to “save our tall trees,” spearheaded by Save Shoreline Trees, neighbors, and residents, WSDOT submitted multiple frontage designs to the City in an effort to save the trees along Dayton Ave N, N 155th, and N 160th. 

New view of WSDOT building after trees were cut for a sidewalk project
Photo by Melody Fosmore

WSDOT’s designs saved most of the trees along N 155th by moving the approved 5-foot-wide sidewalk to the south side of N 155th. An elevated walkway will be installed along Dayton Ave N, saving most of the trees along the avenue. Approximately 95 trees have been saved! 

However, the City did not approve WSDOT’s design for a 6-foot-wide sidewalk along N 160th, instead requiring an 8-foot-wide sidewalk. 

There are many sidewalk projects currently in City planning, including the design for 6-foot-wide sidewalks along 5th Ave NE between NE 175th St to NE 182nd Ct where 23 tall trees will be cut down. 

At the City Council meeting on Monday evening, City Council was asked to add the topic of sidewalk widths to an upcoming Council agenda so the citizens of Shoreline have the opportunity to make public comments regarding sidewalk widths before it is too late and what happened at N 160th is repeated over and over in Shoreline.



Read more...

Town of Woodway uses federal grant to hire Public Works employees and clear hazardous trees

Monday, August 2, 2021

Town of Woodway from Google Street View

The deeply forested Town of Woodway, located between the Richmond Beach neighborhood and the City of Edmonds, is using a federal grant to hire summer staff to clear hazardous trees from its streets.

Two new Public Works summer employees are helping the town get caught up on maintenance that has been delayed as a result of various COVID-related restrictions.

Terrance Bryant, the department director, is currently overseeing a large hazardous tree removal project.

According to Mayor Mike Quinn,

At several locations throughout Town, we are removing dead, dying, or hazardous trees. By removing these trees, we are reducing the likelihood of winter power outages, fires, and danger to pedestrians, vehicles and property.



Read more...

Shoreline Trees: Established trees and housing can co-exist

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Forest Villa

By Claudia Turner, Shoreline resident 
Tree Preservation Code Team

Established trees and housing can co-exist.

It is possible to build housing around existing trees and two examples are here in Shoreline.

Forest Villa is a 6-acre condominium complex at Linden Ave N and N 160th, built in the late ‘70s. It is surrounded by tall, mature trees. 

I appreciate that 40 years after it was built, the numerous trees preserved now create a beautiful homage to the Pacific Northwest. Today there are many Significant sized conifers, mostly Douglas fir and Western red cedar, in addition to a variety of maples and other deciduous trees. This is a lovely sight, especially if viewed from Linden Ave N.


Ballinger Commons is a larger, 30+ year apartment complex off N 205th and Meridian Ave N. Public trails weave through woods containing mature conifers. (Trail access is at Meridian Ave N and N 200th). 

Driving through this 77-acre complex, I noticed that some of the original grassy areas have filled in with a variety of conifer and deciduous trees. I heard many birds and watched a Cooper’s Hawk feed its young amongst the branches of a Douglas fir tree. As it is literally across from Lake Ballinger, there are also wetland areas. The number of trees in Ballinger Commons contributing to our urban canopy is quite impressive!

Before Shoreline was incorporated, housing development in the ’70s and ’80s reflected King County codes that allowed for apartments and mature trees to co-exist. Both Forest Villa and Ballinger Commons are excellent examples of what we now call “environmentally conscious planning”. Not only are these treed complexes pleasing but retained trees provide cooling shade and wildlife habitat, cleansing the air of carbon and preventing soil erosion.

The City of Shoreline’s tree protection codes should be revised to preserve our mature trees while fulfilling multi-family housing goals.


Read more...

Three regional agencies team up for Trees for Rail

Friday, July 23, 2021

Sound Transit, the City of Shoreline, and King Conservation District are pleased to announce Trees for Rail, a partnership to re-green the Lynnwood Link light rail corridor with native trees and shrubs as it passes through Shoreline.

The first of its kind partnership seeks to utilize King Conservation District’s County-wide Urban Tree Canopy program to establish native vegetation and tree canopy to reduce the impact on corridor-adjacent homeowners. This partnership leverages the resources of Sound Transit and will serve to meet Shoreline’s landscaping requirements.

Shoreline requires landscape buffers between the light rail corridor and residential neighborhoods, but in some locations there is not enough space on Sound Transit owned property or in the City right-of-way to plant these buffers. By working together, Shoreline, Sound Transit, and King Conservation District developed a plan to offer trees and shrubs to be planted at nearby homes or adjacent City rights-of-way in the impacted neighborhoods.

Eligible residents along the rail corridor in parts of the Ridgecrest, North City, and Ballinger neighborhoods can volunteer to receive native trees and shrubs, installed by KCD experts, free of charge. 

Households also receive training on how to care for their plants with additional assistance if needed.

“This program builds on our existing commitment to plant thousands of trees along the Lynnwood Link alignment,” says Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. 
“We think teaming up with the City of Shoreline and bringing the expertise of KCD to homeowners in these areas will be a big win for residents and the environment.”

“We are excited about approaching rail corridor mitigation in this manner,” stated Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “This new approach reduces the number of property acquisitions needed by Sound Transit while still ensuring there are adequate landscape buffers along the light rail corridor.”

Though construction of Lynnwood Link involved removing some trees, the reduction is only temporary. 

Sound Transit will be planting 20,000 trees, nearly four times as many as it had to remove. The agency will maintain the newly planted trees along the alignment for up to 13 years, greatly improving their survival rates. King Conservation District’s role is to work directly with impacted residents – over 200 Shoreline homeowners in all. 

“We’re excited to work with Shoreline residents to understand their planting options and select the right trees and shrubs to fit their needs,” says KCD Interim Director Cynthia Setel.

Eligible homeowners will be contacted by King Conservation District throughout the coming months and will begin planting later this year.

Eligible addresses are listed here: kingcd.org/treesforrail



Read more...

Pacific Madrone: A Northwest Mainstay

Thursday, July 15, 2021

This madrone is at least 100 years old.
Photo by Melody Fosmore
By Kathy Kaye
Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board Member

The Pacific madrone holds a special place in the Northwest, both as a symbol of our unique environment and as a sacred living entity among our region’s Indigenous peoples. 

One document tells of the Saanich people on Vancouver Island who, during the Great Flood, tied their canoe to a Pacific madrone on the top of Mount Newton. 

In Oregon, Native American tribes used the tree’s berries as food and as fishing bait, and also for medicinal purposes (for colds and upset stomachs).

One of the oldest and best examples of Pacific madrone in Shoreline resides in Richmond Beach, on 20th Ave NW, the road leading into the Saltwater Park. 

This tree is at least 100 years old. It is not uncommon for Pacific madrones to live to 400, and many are 200-to-250 years. They can reach heights of 80 to 125 feet and diameters of 24 to 48 inches.

The orange-red bark seems to glow in the sunshine
Photo by Melody Fosmore

Distinct characteristics


The Pacific madrone is a broadleaved evergreen whose range extends from San Diego to eastern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii), also called madroña or madroño, is the largest flowering tree in the Ericaceae (heath) family, which includes rhododendrons, blueberries and cranberries. 

It is known for its smooth trunk, orange deciduous bark, white flowers and red berries. (The Latin name Arbutus translates as ‘strawberry,’ according to Washington State University.) Its flowers and berries attract honey bees and birds, especially band-tailed pigeons and quail, and is home for many types of wildlife.

Madrones typically lean
Photo by Melody Fosmore 
Climate change


While Pacific madrone handles drought somewhat well — because of its deep, expansive root system—there is evidence that the species is endangered and that its range is shrinking. Climate forecasting models show Pacific madrones may disappear completely from the west coast by 2090 (https://ppo.puyallup.wsu.edu/madrone/about). 

Both temperature and precipitation are expected to increase over the coming years in the Pacific Northwest, changes that can bring insect infestation, (wood-boring beetles), fungi proliferation (leaf spot, leaf blight, stem and branch cankers), root disease, shoot and branch dieback, etc. Climate change is a major concern not just for Pacific madrones in our area but for all hardwood trees.

Register your tree with WSU

In response to these concerns, Washington State University (WSU) is conducting a crowd-sourced data collection effort to improve our understanding of the distribution and condition of our region's Madrones.

Using just your smartphone and a simple guide, you can help with these efforts.

Peeling bark is typical of madrones
Photo by Melody Fosmore
Tree care


If you are lucky enough to have a Pacific madrone in your yard, there are several ways to keep your tree healthy.
  • Schedule regular maintenance by a certified tree service/arborist. Regular visits can help identify problems early.
  • Ensure that the ground under the crown is not compacted, which can damage roots. A tree service can aerate the ground to improve soil health and promote root function.
  • Refrain from irrigating, unless advised by an arborist, as these trees are susceptible to root rot from heavy precipitation and irrigation. Pacific madrones do best in dry, rocky soil that is well drained.
  • As with any trees, keep compost/mulch away from the trunk and bark, which can retain moisture and cause disease.
  • Call a tree service if leaves change color or drop early, as these are signs of stress in trees.
Good news!

You can grow a Pacific madrone seedling in your yard or in a pot. For more information, contact your local nursery. Or visit https://ppo.puyallup.wsu.edu/madrone/about/propagation/.



Read more...

Forest Abstractions at Paramount Open Space

Monday, June 28, 2021

Sometimes it's a wetland but today it's a pond

All photos by Janet Way

The trees lower the temperature substantially in local parks, like Paramount Open Space, 946 NE 147th St, Shoreline, WA 98155 in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood.

Water striders in abundance make shimmering rings in the water

This large natural wild space is deep green with splashes of color from berries with a tree-shaded path circling through the park.


The pond at Paramount Park is teeming with life!


Native elderberry showing off!



Read more...

Our monumental Douglas fir trees in Shoreline

Monday, June 21, 2021

Photo by Melody Fosmore
By Melody Fosmore, Barbara Johnstone

The Douglas fir tree is an evergreen conifer that has grown throughout Western Washington for centuries.

The Coast Douglas fir is the second tallest conifer in the world growing up to 275’ or more in height with a diameter up to 16 feet. 

The tree bark of a 100-year-old Douglas fir is so thick it can withstand fire and beetle infestation allowing a longer life. 

Douglas fir forests are home to the Northern spotted owl and Marbled Murrelet among other birds and squirrels. 

And, importantly, in terms of climate change, these trees gain their stride around age 70 as a natural carbon sink.

When we cut down our native tall trees we also lose this valuable carbon reduction benefit, adding to global warming.

Here in Shoreline, we have one of the nation's top Coast Douglas fir trees. 

Photo by Melody Fosmore
To see this tree, park off NW 175th street along the north side of Boeing Creek Park. Walk SW to Hidden Lake Trail. Descend the staircase underneath the giant Douglas firs. 

Pass a 7’ wide 200’ tall leaning fir. Another tall fir stands just north, tucked away from view along a brook that feeds into the creek. Look straight and see the largest tree in the park. 

After crossing Boeing Creek on your way west to Hidden Lake look back for a stupendous view of the three big firs in their entirety, best viewed in fall and winter.

This Coast Douglas fir tree has unknown girth and height, however it is believed the tree germinated and planted around the year 1571 (give or take 100 years) which means it is about 450 years. 

A point of reference is a 250’ tree is half of the height of the Space Needle!

In pondering life expectancies, while an individual human life is 80 years, a Douglas fir tree’s life expectancy can be 500 years. 

We are called to speak for these magnificent trees – to keep them with us for as long as possible so each generation can enjoy their magnificence.

For more information about our Shoreline Trees preservation and care please visit SaveShorelineTrees.com or email saveshorelinetrees@gmail.com



Read more...

Liriodendron tulipifera - the Tulip Tree

Friday, June 4, 2021

Photo by Hitomi Dames

Hitomi Dames found a tulip tree to photograph on College Way in North Seattle.

Photo by Hitomi Dames

She said that "Usually I can only take pictures like the first one. But I found some flowers low enough to take close-up pictures."

According to Seattle.gov "This magnolia relative is a fast-growing deciduous tree that has distinctively shaped leaves and subtle but lovely, pale yellow flowers in late spring to early summer. It tends to grow tall and loves full sun. The foliage turns golden yellow in fall."



Read more...

Photos: Here's why the power was out in LFP Tuesday

If you look closely, you can see the wire stretched under the tree.
Photo courtesy Lake Forest Park police

Thanks to the Lake Forest Park police, we now know that the reason for Tuesday's power outage was a downed tree.

The tree hit the wires and took down the pole, which cut power to 175 households in the immediate area. Seattle City Light had a replacement pole and wires back up within a couple of hours - record time.

Photo courtesy Lake Forest Park police

And there's the pole.

Here's the area that was affected.


Read more...

Lake Forest Park Tree Board hosts Champion Tree Contest for kids and teens

Monday, May 31, 2021

Possibly the largest sequoia in Washington state belongs to Betsy (shown) and George Piano of Lake Forest Park. Photo by George Piano

From the Lake Forest Park Tree Board

In Lake Forest Park, we love our trees and our forest canopy — the “roof” of leaves made by all our trees. We love them so much we have laws to protect them, and we honor them on Arbor Day. They are important because they clean our air, give birds and bugs places to live, and cool off our Earth.

Kids and animals grow up and stop getting bigger, but did you know that trees keep growing their whole lives? A “champion tree” is the biggest tree of its kind. There is a list of champion trees for our whole country, and a list of champion trees in our state. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a list of champion trees in our city, too?

Sequoiadendron giganteum are an uncommon species in Lake Forest Park. This one is in the front yard of George and Betsy Piano. Photo by Hitomi Dames

We want this list to be started by KIDS and TEENS! To kick off this project, the volunteer Lake Forest Park Tree Board is holding a contest to see who can find the biggest examples of five common trees in our city. 

There will be multiple winners in each age category (12 and under and 13-17) who will each receive a GIFT CARD for SWIRL FROZEN YOGURT!

If you live or go to school in Lake Forest Park you can enter! Hunt for big trees in your yard, your neighborhood, at a park or your school — anywhere in Lake Forest Park. 

Just be sure to follow COVID-19 safety rules, ask permission if you go on someone else’s property, and tell an adult if you’re searching away from home.

What are the contest tree species? Check these websites for descriptions and photos to help you learn to identify each kind!
When you find one of these trees that you think might be the BIGGEST of its kind, you or your parent can send an email to our City Arborist with this info:
  • your name, age, and school
  • a photo of the tree
  • the species (type) of tree
  • how big the tree is (measure the circumference of the trunk—the distance around it. Measure it at about 4-1/2 feet from the ground.)
  • where it is (GPS location or street address)
Send in your entry by midnight on Wednesday, June 30. Winners will be announced in July!



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP