At this time of the year, with a view of the forest or forest from your garden, all the trees are aglow with rich shades of green. Have you ever wondered what different types of trees there are? Or the strategies these trees use to grow and live together over the course of the seasons and their long lives?
On Saturday, June 17, Beaver County Penn State Master Gardeners will conduct another field study to examine the central role of trees in our region's ecosystems.
Approximately 57% of Pennsylvania (over 16.6 million acres) is forested. These forest areas are managed differently. Approximately 70% (or 12 million acres) is owned by approximately 750,000 landowners, ranging from large corporations managing timber resources for long-term commercial purposes to smallholders using their forests for pleasure or carelessness. The remaining forests (approximately 15 million acres) are owned by federal, state or local governments. For example, Beaver County has five parks, all with large, open wooded areas to explore.
As Pennsylvania residents, we should be able to identify the common eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) found in Pennsylvania forests, which was designated the official state tree in 1931. The eastern hemlock is a long-lived, slow-growing tree and can live up to 250 years. Up to 300 years. They can reach maturity and live 800 years or more.
This important species is found in the woolly aphid (Adelges tsugae), aphid-like insects that appear as small cottony dots between needles. It feeds on the sap of the tree, the needles fall, the branches die, and eventually the tree dies. Early detection of invasive diseases is key to containing the damage.
The theme of trees is very broad and rich in elements. Some of us may be interested in choosing the best native tree to introduce onto our property. Others may be interested in gaining a better understanding of larger issues, such as the role forests play in improving water quality and carbon sequestration. Companies in large timber product supply chains may be interested in efforts to control non-native plants such as the Gypsy Moth (formerly European Gypsy Moth) (Limantria dispar) or the Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). The health of the trees. Like the oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).
We all have our own unique relationship with trees and forests, but we share the experience of sitting in the shade under a tree canopy on a hot summer's day.
If you are interested in learning more about PA trees, the upcoming field study is a great opportunity. You will identify many common trees in Pennsylvania in different ways and gain practical knowledge to apply on your property or on your next park trip. Join us on June 17th from 9am to 12.30pm at Wilson Farm in Brighton.
Find out more and register here or find out more about our ongoing environmental work on our website.
2023 dates for the remaining environmental field studies
Tree Day Entry, June 17th
Pollen, July 15
Growing pollen field, August 5th
Control of Invasive Species, Part 2, August 12
To register for one or more of these sessions, visit the group's website or call the Beaver County Extension office at 724-774-3003. Please note that each session involves walking over rough and often mountainous terrain, rain or shine.
This article originally appeared on USA Today Network: Beyond the Garden Gate: Participate in PA Tree's Environmental Field Studies
