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Do Not Prune During Oak Wilt Risk Period
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In red oaks, oak wilt is usually identified by rapid leaf discoloration and wilting; leaves begin to wilt from the top of the crown downward. (Photo: Joseph O'Brien)
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ST. PAUL, Minn.--The onset of the "high risk period" for overland transmission of oak wilt disease will arrive soon. Oak trees are at high risk when oak wilt fungal mats are present on trees killed the previous year by the disease and when nitidulids (sap-feeding beetles) are active. The onset of high risk occurs earlier as you go farther south and varies with weather conditions. The "rule of thumb" for the Upper Midwest is to avoid pruning or wounding oaks during the months of April, May, and June. In 2012, spring (and the high risk period) arrived earlier than usual, and in 2013 it arrived later. Nitidulids, carrying spores of the fungus, can be attracted to fresh wounds on oak trees. When nitidulids visit these wounds spores can be transferred to the oaks, initiating oak wilt disease infections. To avoid infection, all wounds to oak in the spring should be treated immediately with wound dressing or paint. New symptoms of oak wilt disease usually are apparent in July and August. More information can be found in the publication How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Oak Wilt.
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Green Jobs Training Program Wins Award
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The Return to Work Green Jobs pilot program was continued with USDA Forest Service's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Photo: Courtesy The Delaware Center for Horticulture
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WILMINGTON, Del.--The Delaware Center for Horticulture [TheDCH] is pleased to announce that the Arbor Day Foundation has named TheDCH Return to Work Green Jobs program as the recipient of its national 2014 Award for Education Innovation. The honor recognizes inventive programming that successfully introduces and teaches its audience the importance of trees and inspires future environmental stewards.
"TheDCH is proud of our Green Jobs program and the men and women who have chosen to improve their communities, the environment, and their own lives by becoming a part of the green jobs industry," said TheDCH Executive Director Pamela Sapko. "We are also grateful for the Arbor Day Foundation's recognition. National exposure helps advance TheDCH's efforts to change lives, build communities, and improve the environment through horticulture." Read more.
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Behind the Forest Service Shield--Florence Peterson
 Durham Field Office Forest Health Specialist Florence Peterson brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry and its partners.
Peterson was at one time a professional cook, an analytical chemist, worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club and the University of New Hampshire, and even did a tour of duty in Antarctica. Read More.
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Cellulose-Based Aerogel Cleans Oil and Chemical Spills
MILWAUKEE--In a development arising from nanotechnology research, scientists in Madison have created a spongelike material that could provide a novel and sustainable way to clean up oil spills.
It's known as an aerogel, but it could just as well be called a "smart sponge."
To demonstrate how it works, researchers add a small amount of red dye to diesel, making the fuel stand out in a glass of water. The aerogel is dipped in the glass and within minutes, the sponge has soaked up the diesel. The aerogel is now red, and the glass of water is clear. Read more.
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Outreach--Forestry Technician (Dispatch)
The Hiawatha National Forest is re-advertising and planning to fill one permanent position for Dispatch Center Manager. Previous candidates should re-apply. This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. This position will be filled using the Nationwide Open Continuous Recruitment Announcements for U.S. Citizens and Federal employees and special hires. When applying for this position in USA Jobs choose Gladstone, MI, as the duty station.
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Is Digital Really Greener Than Paper?
The Guardian--We've all received statements from our banks, telecommunication and utilities companies with a simple message at the bottom urging us to "Go paperless, save trees", often accompanied by a picture of a winding river or a green tree.
Implicit in these requests is the assumption that going digital is better for the environment. But the paper industry disputes this. It is pushing companies to remove these claims, which it says are misleading consumers and aren't substantiated by adequate research. Read more.
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Sustainable Operations--Are Alternative-Fuel Vehicles an Option for Me?
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There are close to 14,000 stations in the United States that sell alternative fuels.
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The next time you're faced with purchasing a vehicle, be sure to consider an alternative-fuel vehicle. Many of the existing options can help lower your environmental footprint and improve your fuel economy. Often people are unaware of what options are available. Fortunately, online sources of information and several interactive tools can help you to make a responsible and knowledgeable decision. Read More.
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