Arbor Day Newsletter May/June 2021

M AY / J U N E

2 0 2 1

•

A R B O R D AY. O R G

Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis

EASTERN REDBUD is a welcome harbinger of springtime, with its beautiful flowers and peculiar ability to blossom even on the trunk. It is a tree that captivated the interest of early explorers and was a favorite of George Washington, who transplanted numerous redbuds from the woods onto the grounds of Mount Vernon.

Eastern redbud also has the honor of serving as the state tree of Oklahoma.

LEAVES: Alternate on the branch, somewhat heart-shaped, 2–6 inches long and as wide or wider, with smooth margins. Reddish as they emerge, turning dark green in summer and then yellow in autumn.

FLOWERS: Blossoms appear before the leaves and are found on the trunk and branches as well as on thinner twigs. Pink, sometimes with a purplish tinge, about half an inch long on a ½-inch pedicel, growing in groups of four to eight.

FRUIT: Shiny reddish-brown pods 2–3 inches long containing four to 10 round, flattened seeds. The pods remain on the tree throughout winter.

BARK: Thin and grey when young, becoming brownish or black and fissured and scaly with age.

Sometimes the reddish inner bark shows through in places.

FORM: A small tree, 20–30 feet tall at maturity with a short trunk before branching and forming a flat or somewhat rounded crown. Slender branches display a slight zig-zag pattern.

WILDLIFE VALUE: An important tree for some butterflies, and its early blossoms are appreciated by all nectar-seeking insects. The seeds are used by birds during the winter when other food sources may be scarce.

PLANTING: Prefers sun or partial shade and deep, moist but welldrained soil. Avoid permanently wet sites, but it will thrive in acidic or alkaline soils ranging in pH from 6.5 to 7.5 and in various soil textures.

Water regularly after planting and later during prolonged dry spells.

Suitable for hardiness zones 4–9.

Restoring Nature’s

Splendor

To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/redbud.

A multi-year mission to replant former mine lands on the Monongahela National Forest

An official publication of

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2021 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

50129901

TREE BASICS

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Matt Harris

FROM THE LIBRARY OF

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO SAY THANK YOU. A big, from-the-bottomof-my-heart thank you. The last year has been challenging for so many of us. And yet, all of you — our loyal members and donors — have continued to step up in support of trees. Your dedication to tree planting is inspiring, and you are helping to ensure that our critical work continues at a time when it is needed so much.

Your recent generosity is also a testament to the role trees and forests have played in many of your lives, over the past year in particular.

Right now, people are wanting to connect with nature, and it’s an exciting trend we’re seeing across the United States and around the globe. Natural outdoor spaces are providing healthy and safe activities, a break from routine, and a respite from everyday struggles.

I have had the privilege of seeing this first-hand at Arbor Day Farm. Families are coming to enjoy the trails, explore the many treehouses of Treetop Village®, drink apple cider, and reconnect. It truly is a pleasure to know that the Arbor Day Foundation can provide these kinds of experiences for people of all ages — offering refreshing moments of joy that we all need so much right now.

I personally invite those of you near Nebraska City to visit Arbor Day Farm and enjoy its wonders. And if you are not nearby, I sincerely hope you can find a similar outdoor sanctuary where you live.

For as American biologist E.O. Wilson said, “Just being surrounded by bountiful nature rejuvenates and inspires us.”

Saving Natural Areas in Cities

TREES DRIVING

CHANGE

Planting Efforts Worldwide Provide Important Benefits for People

THE REASONS FOR PLANTING TREES vary greatly based on where and when you are planting those trees. It could be recovery after a natural disaster, providing increased tree cover for communities, or even connecting and enhancing critical wildlife habitat. But for some projects around the globe, the benefits to people are tangible, immediate, and substantial.

One great example of this is the Arbor Day Foundation’s efforts with Plant With Purpose — an on-the-ground partner we work with to plant trees in countries including Burundi, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Haiti, Tanzania, and Thailand. Here, trees can be a much-needed lifeline.

In Thailand, trees planted will help control devastating flooding that plagues the area while also providing a source of food. “I have developed my knowledge of fruit tree planting and shared that knowledge with family and neighbors,” said Ms. Eair Libor, a resident of the village of Huay Pong. “My family has enough food now, and I can help reduce expenses and still have enough to share with the people in the community. I would like to see communities that are sustainable and have enough food.”

A mix of natural disasters, increased unrest, and economic uncertainty in Haiti all tie into a need for trees. And the trees we’re planting here are helping local communities become more selfreliant and resilient. According to Jacques, a resident of Grande Colline, “People can compare things in our community before and after we planted trees. The lands we’ve protected are giving back to us and improving our quality of life.”

Trees have the power to protect homes, guarantee a food source, and help lift people out of extreme poverty. And as we expand our global reach, we look forward to planting more trees where they are needed most.

2 ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org On the cover: West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest is a beautiful and diverse wonder to behold, with plentiful waterways and a variety of wildlife.

While natural areas in cities may sound like a contradiction, these spaces are functionally critical to the communities in which we work and live.

They can be found in more expected places like parks, arboretums, and along rivers and creeks. But they are also tucked in areas you may not think of: residential properties, old landfills, abandoned industrial sites, golf courses, and more.

Urban wooded areas offer recreation, health benefits, social connection, wildlife habitat, and a long list of environmental services. And because they are so important, we need to do all we can to protect them.

While these are natural places, they exist in our urban spaces and therefore need our help to remain healthy and beneficial. This is where intentional management comes into play. The three steps to effectively manage natural areas include assessment, planning, and doing the work.

Around the country, you can find examples of cities that do this well — New York City, St. Louis, Houston, Billings, and Baltimore, to name a few.

Within these cities, you will find efforts underway that include everything from removing invasive species to forming nationwide networks for information sharing. It’s the kind of dedication that will ensure the future of natural spaces in our cities.

Tree City USA Bulletin The Mar/Apr edition expands on what communities can do to help natural spaces thrive in an urban environment.

To download a PDF of the bulletin, please visit

arborday.org/bulletins

Wooded parcels share the park with running and bicycling trails, a golf course, and other constructed features in St. Louis’ popular Forest Park.

FOLLOW US AT

facebook.com/arborday

READY TO PLANT? This is the time of year when spring shipping winds down for the bare-root trees in our tree nursery. But it’s not too late to get planting! We have several potted options that can be shipped directly to your door year-round.

Choose from shade trees that provide a break from the heat, evergreens that block brisk north winds, fruit trees for a home orchard, and flowering ornamentals that can serve as the centerpiece of that new landscape project you’ve been planning.

Simply head to arborday.org/pottedtrees to find the next tree for your yard.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

7

PROJECT PLANT IT! DOMINION ENERGY’S DEDICATION TO CONSERVATION has translated into long-term education and impact courtesy of a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. For the past 15 years, the company has stewarded its Project Plant It! program, dedicated to helping students become the future caretakers of our planet.

This program is available for students of all ages and grade levels who live within the Dominion Energy service area. Schools, and other local groups that work with youth can request redbud tree seedlings. The seedlings are then distributed by the Foundation so that the students have their trees by Arbor Day.

Celebrating 15 Years of Dominion Energy’s Environmental Education Initiative ARS

15 YE

&

ING GROW

Nebraska City, Nebraska

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: liedlodge.org • 800-546-5433

Expanding the Program for Pollinators While redbud trees support pollinators, Dominion Energy was looking to do more to help a shrinking bee population.

So this past Arbor Day, participants received their tree along with a packet of wildflower seeds specifically designed to attract bees and other pollinators.

“It’s so exciting that Project Plant It! is still growing as we celebrate the milestone 15th observance of the program in 2021,” said Shai West, associate community affairs at Dominion Energy and Project Plant It! representative.

Making a Measurable Impact In 2020, Project Plant It! was able to distribute 60,000 eastern redbuds — with 53 participating organizations in six states. And from 2007–2021, approximately 750,000 tree seedlings and seed packets have been delivered.

It’s an exciting partnership that is helping students build a lifelong connection to trees and nature. For more information about the program, visit projectplantit.com.

Leaving a Legacy May Be Easier Than You Think TREES THRIVE FOR GENERATIONS, and so can your support of the Arbor Day Foundation when you establish a charitable gift annuity. As you receive consistent retirement income, you’ll feel good knowing that your gift will leave a legacy for years to come.

To receive additional information and a confidential quote on a charitable gift annuity, please complete and mail the coupon below, or contact Chloé Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612 or giftplanning@arborday.org.

LEARN MORE. NO OBLIGATION. Please provide me with a confidential quote for an Arbor Day Foundation Charitable Gift Annuity.

Birth Date / / I am considering a gift annuity of $

($10,000 minimum)

Name Address City/State/Zip Telephone (

)

Email Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation 211 N. 12th St. • Lincoln, NE 68508

Best time to call

Charitable gift annuities offer retirement income with a large portion of it tax-free.

For example, Patricia, age 84, made a $75,000 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation for a charitable gift annuity. She receives $5,700 (7.6%) annually, with $4,685 of it tax-free.

Additionally, at tax time, she can take a $40,785 charitable deduction that can be spread over several years, if necessary.

Michael began a $15,000 charitable gift annuity at age 72. He receives a 5.4% return on his gift for the rest of his life. Nearly 75% of the payment is income-tax-free. Additionally, Michael receives a charitable tax deduction of $6,089 for his gift. Also, please remember the Foundation in your will.

To make a bequest, include this sentence: I give __________(specific amount or property, percentage or residue) to the Arbor Day Foundation, located in Lincoln, NE, a taxexempt organization, for the purpose of supporting its environmental stewardship programs. (Tax ID 23-7169265)

AN EVER-EVOLVING

EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE ARBOR DAY FARM WAS ESTABLISHED as an opportunity to bring the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission to life. It’s a space where we can help visitors of all ages build a connection with and learn about the importance of trees.

And sometimes the best way to learn is to see it in action. The arboretum in the parking lot of Lied Lodge is a great example of this. Shortly after the lodge was built, this arboretum was established to demonstrate that cars, pedestrians, and trees can coexist. It was a cooperative effort between the Foundation, urban foresters, landscape design consultants, and enthusiastic private tree donors in Nebraska City.

“This tree canopy helps to manage stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, shade cars, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide habitat and food for wildlife,” said Brad Kindler, grounds and orchard manager at Arbor Day Farm.

“The arboretum is a functioning ecological system that also serves to educate and inspire our guests through trees.”

Over the years, the arboretum has grown. Trees have been planted to commemorate environmental gatherings,

family reunions, Foundation milestones, and more. Each tree planted adds to not only the beauty but also the functionality of this space. And work is already underway for even more improvements.

Through generous support from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Foundation is partnering with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to enhance this important green infrastructure. Work is focused on expanding the use of native understory shrubs and herbaceous plants. Additional educational signage is also planned.

It’s a project that Brad is proud to spearhead. “Although our property is just a small piece of land in a larger landscape mosaic, the arboretum has the potential to feature native trees, shrubs, and forbs and showcase these to thousands of guests that visit our farm each year,” he said. “It’s possible that others may then want to promote diversity in their landscape as well — or possibly take a much greater step toward largescale landscape restoration on their homes and farms.”

The project is set to be completed this year.

08651 100

For more information, please mail in the coupon or call Chloè Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

3

A Journey to

Cheat Mountain Salamander

Reclaim the Land Replanting Former Mine Lands on the Monongahela National Forest

WEST VIRGINIA

S

Clearing the land is critical so new seedlings can thrive.

Wetlands are a key element to restoration efforts.

panning more than 900,000 acres, West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country. Scenic vistas, flowing streams, and abundant wildlife help to define its splendor.

But some areas acquired over the years by the U.S. Forest Service are reclaimed mine lands that weren’t properly restored. Compacted soil, a lack of native tree cover, and problematic invasive species plague this land, and it is in need of healing.

This is where specialized reforestation efforts come into play. The Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered with nonprofit Green Forests Work to restore sections of these reclaimed mine lands.

And the outcomes have been tremendous.

A Tried-and-True Method Approximately 25,000 acres of land within the proclamation boundary of the Monongahela National Forest, have been identified as areas in need of intense restoration. The work began in 2010, starting with 90 acres and a bulldozer. “The Forest Service honestly was a little bit hesitant at first of the idea of going in, and taking the big bulldozer, and ripping this stuff up. It seemed kind of counter-intuitive,” said Chris Barton, president of Green Forests Work and professor of watershed management at the University of Kentucky.

But the process was proven, and the first important step was to remove nonnative and invasive vegetation.

After the land was cleared, it was ripped. “We rip it to 3 to 4 feet deep, and we do it in two directions so that the

Incorporating native red spruce in the restored areas of the forest helps to ensure that these animals have access to the habitat they need for survival. One example is the endangered Cheat Mountain salamander, found only in this region. It requires the moist, peaty soils found amid the red spruces. And the northern flying squirrel relies on these trees for its food source: a fungus that grows on the roots of the red spruce.

The golden-winged warbler, a bird facing declining numbers, also relies on this forest type. “We’re working in a priority area of conservation for the golden-winged warbler, which relies on young forest habitat,” said Michael. “We’re creating that young forest habitat by creating more tracts every year over this past decade that we’ve been working. But because it is a slower-growing forest type, that young forest habitat will persist for a longer term as well.”

rips are perpendicular to each other,” said Michael French, Positive Impacts for the Future Green Forests Work’s director of operations. “It really fluffs everything up. It allows water to infiltrate the soil. It allows Beyond wildlife habitat, this restoration work provides roots to extend in all directions. Basically it’s like tilling your a long list of tangible environmental benefits. One of garden — except on a forest scale.” the larger benefits relates directly to water. Runoff is a After the ground was prepped, planting could begin. common problem on former mine land and can lead A bio-diverse mix of high-value to sedimentation in streams as hardwood seedlings were planted, well as flooding. Through proper as well as smaller trees and shrubs. restoration, Chris adds that, “we Because these were all native to this can greatly diminish the amount of forestland, wildlife would benefit. sediment production and erosion And because the soil was exposed, to streams.” The frequency of native wildflowers would be able to flooding is also reduced. establish on their own as well.

In addition, restoring mine lands Within a couple years — with can create great potential for carbon this first 90 acres doing well — sequestration. “These mine-impacted more work commenced. Now 100lands are some of the best places Teams of tree planters prepare to add 200 acres of the National Forest to plant trees for the purposes of native seedlings to the landscape. are restored each year through mitigating climate change,” said this unique partnership. Land is Michael. “Carbon will accumulate prepped, trees are planted, and wetlands are created in more quickly in the trees that we’re planting because they’re an effort to reestablish the original ecosystem. growing faster, the roots are extending underground. The soils of these mind lands can also act as [carbon] sinks for The Importance of the Red Spruce decades as it’s building up that organic layer.”

Restoring red spruce stands on the Monongahela National Forest is critical. At one time, more than 500,000 acres of red spruce forest sprawled across West Virginia.

Due to decades of industrial logging and mining, however, only approximately 50,000 acres remain today.

And that has caused problems for a number of endemic and migratory wildlife.

The Work Must Go On Over the last decade, hundreds of acres of compacted mine lands have been restored on the National Forest.

But these reforestation efforts are far from over. Through dedicated supporters like you and strong partnerships, the lands of this forest will once again be wild and beautiful.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

5

A Journey to

Cheat Mountain Salamander

Reclaim the Land Replanting Former Mine Lands on the Monongahela National Forest

WEST VIRGINIA

S

Clearing the land is critical so new seedlings can thrive.

Wetlands are a key element to restoration efforts.

panning more than 900,000 acres, West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country. Scenic vistas, flowing streams, and abundant wildlife help to define its splendor.

But some areas acquired over the years by the U.S. Forest Service are reclaimed mine lands that weren’t properly restored. Compacted soil, a lack of native tree cover, and problematic invasive species plague this land, and it is in need of healing.

This is where specialized reforestation efforts come into play. The Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered with nonprofit Green Forests Work to restore sections of these reclaimed mine lands.

And the outcomes have been tremendous.

A Tried-and-True Method Approximately 25,000 acres of land within the proclamation boundary of the Monongahela National Forest, have been identified as areas in need of intense restoration. The work began in 2010, starting with 90 acres and a bulldozer. “The Forest Service honestly was a little bit hesitant at first of the idea of going in, and taking the big bulldozer, and ripping this stuff up. It seemed kind of counter-intuitive,” said Chris Barton, president of Green Forests Work and professor of watershed management at the University of Kentucky.

But the process was proven, and the first important step was to remove nonnative and invasive vegetation.

After the land was cleared, it was ripped. “We rip it to 3 to 4 feet deep, and we do it in two directions so that the

Incorporating native red spruce in the restored areas of the forest helps to ensure that these animals have access to the habitat they need for survival. One example is the endangered Cheat Mountain salamander, found only in this region. It requires the moist, peaty soils found amid the red spruces. And the northern flying squirrel relies on these trees for its food source: a fungus that grows on the roots of the red spruce.

The golden-winged warbler, a bird facing declining numbers, also relies on this forest type. “We’re working in a priority area of conservation for the golden-winged warbler, which relies on young forest habitat,” said Michael. “We’re creating that young forest habitat by creating more tracts every year over this past decade that we’ve been working. But because it is a slower-growing forest type, that young forest habitat will persist for a longer term as well.”

rips are perpendicular to each other,” said Michael French, Positive Impacts for the Future Green Forests Work’s director of operations. “It really fluffs everything up. It allows water to infiltrate the soil. It allows Beyond wildlife habitat, this restoration work provides roots to extend in all directions. Basically it’s like tilling your a long list of tangible environmental benefits. One of garden — except on a forest scale.” the larger benefits relates directly to water. Runoff is a After the ground was prepped, planting could begin. common problem on former mine land and can lead A bio-diverse mix of high-value to sedimentation in streams as hardwood seedlings were planted, well as flooding. Through proper as well as smaller trees and shrubs. restoration, Chris adds that, “we Because these were all native to this can greatly diminish the amount of forestland, wildlife would benefit. sediment production and erosion And because the soil was exposed, to streams.” The frequency of native wildflowers would be able to flooding is also reduced. establish on their own as well.

In addition, restoring mine lands Within a couple years — with can create great potential for carbon this first 90 acres doing well — sequestration. “These mine-impacted more work commenced. Now 100lands are some of the best places Teams of tree planters prepare to add 200 acres of the National Forest to plant trees for the purposes of native seedlings to the landscape. are restored each year through mitigating climate change,” said this unique partnership. Land is Michael. “Carbon will accumulate prepped, trees are planted, and wetlands are created in more quickly in the trees that we’re planting because they’re an effort to reestablish the original ecosystem. growing faster, the roots are extending underground. The soils of these mind lands can also act as [carbon] sinks for The Importance of the Red Spruce decades as it’s building up that organic layer.”

Restoring red spruce stands on the Monongahela National Forest is critical. At one time, more than 500,000 acres of red spruce forest sprawled across West Virginia.

Due to decades of industrial logging and mining, however, only approximately 50,000 acres remain today.

And that has caused problems for a number of endemic and migratory wildlife.

The Work Must Go On Over the last decade, hundreds of acres of compacted mine lands have been restored on the National Forest.

But these reforestation efforts are far from over. Through dedicated supporters like you and strong partnerships, the lands of this forest will once again be wild and beautiful.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

5

PROJECT PLANT IT! DOMINION ENERGY’S DEDICATION TO CONSERVATION has translated into long-term education and impact courtesy of a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. For the past 15 years, the company has stewarded its Project Plant It! program, dedicated to helping students become the future caretakers of our planet.

This program is available for students of all ages and grade levels who live within the Dominion Energy service area. Schools, and other local groups that work with youth can request redbud tree seedlings. The seedlings are then distributed by the Foundation so that the students have their trees by Arbor Day.

Celebrating 15 Years of Dominion Energy’s Environmental Education Initiative ARS

15 YE

&

ING GROW

Nebraska City, Nebraska

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: liedlodge.org • 800-546-5433

Expanding the Program for Pollinators While redbud trees support pollinators, Dominion Energy was looking to do more to help a shrinking bee population.

So this past Arbor Day, participants received their tree along with a packet of wildflower seeds specifically designed to attract bees and other pollinators.

“It’s so exciting that Project Plant It! is still growing as we celebrate the milestone 15th observance of the program in 2021,” said Shai West, associate community affairs at Dominion Energy and Project Plant It! representative.

Making a Measurable Impact In 2020, Project Plant It! was able to distribute 60,000 eastern redbuds — with 53 participating organizations in six states. And from 2007–2021, approximately 750,000 tree seedlings and seed packets have been delivered.

It’s an exciting partnership that is helping students build a lifelong connection to trees and nature. For more information about the program, visit projectplantit.com.

Leaving a Legacy May Be Easier Than You Think TREES THRIVE FOR GENERATIONS, and so can your support of the Arbor Day Foundation when you establish a charitable gift annuity. As you receive consistent retirement income, you’ll feel good knowing that your gift will leave a legacy for years to come.

To receive additional information and a confidential quote on a charitable gift annuity, please complete and mail the coupon below, or contact Chloé Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612 or giftplanning@arborday.org.

LEARN MORE. NO OBLIGATION. Please provide me with a confidential quote for an Arbor Day Foundation Charitable Gift Annuity.

Birth Date / / I am considering a gift annuity of $

($10,000 minimum)

Name Address City/State/Zip Telephone (

)

Email Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation 211 N. 12th St. • Lincoln, NE 68508

Best time to call

Charitable gift annuities offer retirement income with a large portion of it tax-free.

For example, Patricia, age 84, made a $75,000 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation for a charitable gift annuity. She receives $5,700 (7.6%) annually, with $4,685 of it tax-free.

Additionally, at tax time, she can take a $40,785 charitable deduction that can be spread over several years, if necessary.

Michael began a $15,000 charitable gift annuity at age 72. He receives a 5.4% return on his gift for the rest of his life. Nearly 75% of the payment is income-tax-free. Additionally, Michael receives a charitable tax deduction of $6,089 for his gift. Also, please remember the Foundation in your will.

To make a bequest, include this sentence: I give __________(specific amount or property, percentage or residue) to the Arbor Day Foundation, located in Lincoln, NE, a taxexempt organization, for the purpose of supporting its environmental stewardship programs. (Tax ID 23-7169265)

AN EVER-EVOLVING

EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE ARBOR DAY FARM WAS ESTABLISHED as an opportunity to bring the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission to life. It’s a space where we can help visitors of all ages build a connection with and learn about the importance of trees.

And sometimes the best way to learn is to see it in action. The arboretum in the parking lot of Lied Lodge is a great example of this. Shortly after the lodge was built, this arboretum was established to demonstrate that cars, pedestrians, and trees can coexist. It was a cooperative effort between the Foundation, urban foresters, landscape design consultants, and enthusiastic private tree donors in Nebraska City.

“This tree canopy helps to manage stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, shade cars, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide habitat and food for wildlife,” said Brad Kindler, grounds and orchard manager at Arbor Day Farm.

“The arboretum is a functioning ecological system that also serves to educate and inspire our guests through trees.”

Over the years, the arboretum has grown. Trees have been planted to commemorate environmental gatherings,

family reunions, Foundation milestones, and more. Each tree planted adds to not only the beauty but also the functionality of this space. And work is already underway for even more improvements.

Through generous support from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Foundation is partnering with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to enhance this important green infrastructure. Work is focused on expanding the use of native understory shrubs and herbaceous plants. Additional educational signage is also planned.

It’s a project that Brad is proud to spearhead. “Although our property is just a small piece of land in a larger landscape mosaic, the arboretum has the potential to feature native trees, shrubs, and forbs and showcase these to thousands of guests that visit our farm each year,” he said. “It’s possible that others may then want to promote diversity in their landscape as well — or possibly take a much greater step toward largescale landscape restoration on their homes and farms.”

The project is set to be completed this year.

08651 100

For more information, please mail in the coupon or call Chloè Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

3

TREE BASICS

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Matt Harris

FROM THE LIBRARY OF

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO SAY THANK YOU. A big, from-the-bottomof-my-heart thank you. The last year has been challenging for so many of us. And yet, all of you — our loyal members and donors — have continued to step up in support of trees. Your dedication to tree planting is inspiring, and you are helping to ensure that our critical work continues at a time when it is needed so much.

Your recent generosity is also a testament to the role trees and forests have played in many of your lives, over the past year in particular.

Right now, people are wanting to connect with nature, and it’s an exciting trend we’re seeing across the United States and around the globe. Natural outdoor spaces are providing healthy and safe activities, a break from routine, and a respite from everyday struggles.

I have had the privilege of seeing this first-hand at Arbor Day Farm. Families are coming to enjoy the trails, explore the many treehouses of Treetop Village®, drink apple cider, and reconnect. It truly is a pleasure to know that the Arbor Day Foundation can provide these kinds of experiences for people of all ages — offering refreshing moments of joy that we all need so much right now.

I personally invite those of you near Nebraska City to visit Arbor Day Farm and enjoy its wonders. And if you are not nearby, I sincerely hope you can find a similar outdoor sanctuary where you live.

For as American biologist E.O. Wilson said, “Just being surrounded by bountiful nature rejuvenates and inspires us.”

Saving Natural Areas in Cities

TREES DRIVING

CHANGE

Planting Efforts Worldwide Provide Important Benefits for People

THE REASONS FOR PLANTING TREES vary greatly based on where and when you are planting those trees. It could be recovery after a natural disaster, providing increased tree cover for communities, or even connecting and enhancing critical wildlife habitat. But for some projects around the globe, the benefits to people are tangible, immediate, and substantial.

One great example of this is the Arbor Day Foundation’s efforts with Plant With Purpose — an on-the-ground partner we work with to plant trees in countries including Burundi, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Haiti, Tanzania, and Thailand. Here, trees can be a much-needed lifeline.

In Thailand, trees planted will help control devastating flooding that plagues the area while also providing a source of food. “I have developed my knowledge of fruit tree planting and shared that knowledge with family and neighbors,” said Ms. Eair Libor, a resident of the village of Huay Pong. “My family has enough food now, and I can help reduce expenses and still have enough to share with the people in the community. I would like to see communities that are sustainable and have enough food.”

A mix of natural disasters, increased unrest, and economic uncertainty in Haiti all tie into a need for trees. And the trees we’re planting here are helping local communities become more selfreliant and resilient. According to Jacques, a resident of Grande Colline, “People can compare things in our community before and after we planted trees. The lands we’ve protected are giving back to us and improving our quality of life.”

Trees have the power to protect homes, guarantee a food source, and help lift people out of extreme poverty. And as we expand our global reach, we look forward to planting more trees where they are needed most.

2 ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org On the cover: West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest is a beautiful and diverse wonder to behold, with plentiful waterways and a variety of wildlife.

While natural areas in cities may sound like a contradiction, these spaces are functionally critical to the communities in which we work and live.

They can be found in more expected places like parks, arboretums, and along rivers and creeks. But they are also tucked in areas you may not think of: residential properties, old landfills, abandoned industrial sites, golf courses, and more.

Urban wooded areas offer recreation, health benefits, social connection, wildlife habitat, and a long list of environmental services. And because they are so important, we need to do all we can to protect them.

While these are natural places, they exist in our urban spaces and therefore need our help to remain healthy and beneficial. This is where intentional management comes into play. The three steps to effectively manage natural areas include assessment, planning, and doing the work.

Around the country, you can find examples of cities that do this well — New York City, St. Louis, Houston, Billings, and Baltimore, to name a few.

Within these cities, you will find efforts underway that include everything from removing invasive species to forming nationwide networks for information sharing. It’s the kind of dedication that will ensure the future of natural spaces in our cities.

Tree City USA Bulletin The Mar/Apr edition expands on what communities can do to help natural spaces thrive in an urban environment.

To download a PDF of the bulletin, please visit

arborday.org/bulletins

Wooded parcels share the park with running and bicycling trails, a golf course, and other constructed features in St. Louis’ popular Forest Park.

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READY TO PLANT? This is the time of year when spring shipping winds down for the bare-root trees in our tree nursery. But it’s not too late to get planting! We have several potted options that can be shipped directly to your door year-round.

Choose from shade trees that provide a break from the heat, evergreens that block brisk north winds, fruit trees for a home orchard, and flowering ornamentals that can serve as the centerpiece of that new landscape project you’ve been planning.

Simply head to arborday.org/pottedtrees to find the next tree for your yard.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2021 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

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A R B O R D AY. O R G

Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis

EASTERN REDBUD is a welcome harbinger of springtime, with its beautiful flowers and peculiar ability to blossom even on the trunk. It is a tree that captivated the interest of early explorers and was a favorite of George Washington, who transplanted numerous redbuds from the woods onto the grounds of Mount Vernon.

Eastern redbud also has the honor of serving as the state tree of Oklahoma.

LEAVES: Alternate on the branch, somewhat heart-shaped, 2–6 inches long and as wide or wider, with smooth margins. Reddish as they emerge, turning dark green in summer and then yellow in autumn.

FLOWERS: Blossoms appear before the leaves and are found on the trunk and branches as well as on thinner twigs. Pink, sometimes with a purplish tinge, about half an inch long on a ½-inch pedicel, growing in groups of four to eight.

FRUIT: Shiny reddish-brown pods 2–3 inches long containing four to 10 round, flattened seeds. The pods remain on the tree throughout winter.

BARK: Thin and grey when young, becoming brownish or black and fissured and scaly with age.

Sometimes the reddish inner bark shows through in places.

FORM: A small tree, 20–30 feet tall at maturity with a short trunk before branching and forming a flat or somewhat rounded crown. Slender branches display a slight zig-zag pattern.

WILDLIFE VALUE: An important tree for some butterflies, and its early blossoms are appreciated by all nectar-seeking insects. The seeds are used by birds during the winter when other food sources may be scarce.

PLANTING: Prefers sun or partial shade and deep, moist but welldrained soil. Avoid permanently wet sites, but it will thrive in acidic or alkaline soils ranging in pH from 6.5 to 7.5 and in various soil textures.

Water regularly after planting and later during prolonged dry spells.

Suitable for hardiness zones 4–9.

Restoring Nature’s

Splendor

To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/redbud.

A multi-year mission to replant former mine lands on the Monongahela National Forest

An official publication of

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2021 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

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