ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM TREES

Trees are the tallest, most massive, longest-lived organisms growing on earth. Coastal Redwoods are over 320 feet tall! Giant Sequoia trees can weigh over 2,000 tons! Bristlecone Pines can live in one place for over 4,000 years! Awesome! We can learn a great deal from trees. I thought it would be fun to share some "words to live by" that trees can teach us.

· It's important to have roots.
.· In today's complex world, it pays to branch out.
· Don't pine away over old flames.
· If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb.
· Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows.
· Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.
· If you want to maintain accurate records, keep a log.
· To be politically correct, don't wear firs.
· Grow where you're planted.
· It's perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.
· Avoid people who would like to cut you down.
· Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.
· If the party gets boring, just pick up and leaf.
· Be sure to cover your bare ash in the winter.
· As you approach the autumn of your life, you can't hide your true colors.
· It's more important to be honest than poplar.

Trees have long inspired poets, songwriters, philosophers, and plain ordinary people. Trees outside our windows provide beauty, shade, habitat for wildlife and many other benefits. Think of this as our trees start growing in the next several weeks. And remember, "as you go through life, give yourself time to blossom."

NEW USDA PLANT HARDINESS ZONE MAP

When selecting a tree to plant, informed buyers know to choose those trees that are adapted for this area. This is especially true when trying trees or other plants not native or indigenous to this location. In most instances, the limiting "hardiness" is how well the plant can take our cold, dry winters here on the plains. Why plant a tree that dies over the winter and does not green up the next spring? For years tree planters have been using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to give them guidance on what plants they can expect to survive our winters. The general advice is to use trees with a rating that is the same or colder than the area where the tree is to be planted. Choosing plants with a higher rating (warmer) is risky and more likely to end in a dead plant over a period of time. Here in northeast Nebraska, we are listed as zone 4b, which corresponds with an average minimum temperature of -25 degrees Fahrenheit. So trees with zone ratings of 5 or higher would be a "risk" to plant.

Now the USDA has updated the Plant Hardiness Zone map using climate data from the more recent past. This map supersedes U.S. Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 814, "Plant Hardiness Zone Map," which was revised in 1965. This 1990 version shows in detail the lowest temperatures that can be expected each year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These temperatures are referred to as "average annual minimum temperatures" and are based on the lowest temperatures recorded for each of the years 1974 to 1986 in the United States and Canada and 1971 to 1984 in Mexico. The map shows 10 different zones, each of which represents an area of winter hardiness for the plants of agriculture and our natural landscape. It also introduces zone 11 to represent areas that have average annual minimum temperatures above 40 F (4.4 C) and that are therefore essentially frost-free.

NEW NSA AFFILIATE ARBORETUM SITES IN NORTHEAST NEBRASKA

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum recently "approved" the applications of three northeast Nebraska sites to be affiliate sites of NSA. Late last year Crofton Courts was accepted. Pender and Northeast Community College in Norfolk were received in March of this year. Congratulations to these sites for meeting the criteria set by NSA and for the wonderful plant selections they have at the sites. This brings to a total of 54 sites in 36 communities located across Nebraska that are affiliated with the NSA network. In northeast Nebraska we have a wonderful distribution of sites with 13 of those 36 communities represented, (by the way, that is over 1/3rd for the state!). Following is the list of those NSA recognized and affiliate sites and locations in northeast Nebraska:

West Pawnee Park Arboretum - Columbus
Northeast Arboretum - Concord
Bruce Park Arboretum - Creighton
Crofton Courts - Crofton
Franklin-Cotterell Greens Arb. - North Bend
Northeast Comm. College Arb. - Norfolk
Pender Park/Hospital Arb. - Pender
Gilman Park Arboretum - Pierce
Railside Green Arboretum - Schuyler
Maskentine Arboretum - Stanton
South Sioux City Arb. - S.Sioux City
Wayne State College Arb. - Wayne
Wisner-Pilger School Arb. - Wisner

These are wonderful resources to visit and see what types of plants can grow in our area. Most sites will have several very unique and interesting trees that are not normally grown here on the plains. I encourage you to stop by one of these sites this summer and check out the trees, shrubs, grasses and other plants that are labeled. Many sites have brochures for self-walking touring or the curator can be contacted to arrange for a site visit. Contact the NSA office in Lincoln at 472-2971 for the phone number of the curator for the site.

UNIQUE RIPARIAN CONSERVATION BUFFER ESTABLISHED NEAR CONCORD NE

Can a conservation buffer help protect water quality and provide some income to the landowner? That is the focus of a new demonstration area to be installed at the University of Nebraska Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord started last spring, with the rest of the site to be planted in May.

Riparian conservation buffers are strips or small areas of permanent vegetation established along the edges of rivers, streams, and other water bodies that provide a "buffer" between the water body and adjacent land. Riparian buffers help protect water quality by trapping sediment and other pollutants. Infiltration of runoff water, often containing nutrients and pesticides which would otherwise go directly into the stream, is also increased within the buffer. "Although farmers and landowners generally recognize these benefits, they are sometimes reluctant to install buffers since land must be taken out of crop production which may decrease income", says Dave Shelton, Extension Agricultural Engineer at the Northeast Research and Extension Center.

"In total, we plan to install about 22 acres of conservation buffers along a mile long stretch of drainage at the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory", said Shelton. "One objective is to allow producers, landowners, and others to compare and evaluate the installation, management, and performance of a variety of both conventional and non-conventional buffer designs and plant materials in a natural and working agricultural environment."

Dr. Scott Josiah, State Extension Forester, did the selecting and obtaining of the woody plant material that is being planted. Some of the non-conventional materials being established include saskatoons, sand cherries, currants, and chokeberries for fruit production: corkscrew, flame, and scarlet curls willows for decorative floral markets; and four cultivars of hazelnuts. "All of these materials have economic potential," said Shelton, "and we plan to evaluate them for both their effectiveness as buffer materials and as a possible income source."

"We will also be comparing the direct seeding of nut trees like pecan, walnut, hazelnut, butternut and oak varieties with transplanting of seedlings", said Steve Rasmussen, NFS District and Extension Forester, also from the Northeast Research and Extension Center. "By direct seeding, we may be able to reduce the cost of buffer installation and perhaps obtain better materials, since some seeds can be collected locally and other seeds could be selected from superior stock that is better adapted to local conditions. This is not being done anywhere else in the state, and will be an excellent local demonstration site."

"Our overall goal is to increase conservation buffer establishment in northeast Nebraska," said Shelton, "while at the same time evaluating techniques to reduce both installation and maintenance costs, as well as non-conventional buffer materials that may provide some income."

"We think this represents a win-win combination of protecting water quality, providing wildlife habitat, and producing a potential income source for the landowner," stated Rasmussen.

Currently, the Continuous CRP that is available through USDA for farmers to enroll ground into a 10-15 year contract can eventually pay 90% of establishment costs. In addition to the annual rental payments, there are payments for maintenance and up to 20% signup incentives. There has never been a better cost share/payback program for these types of plantings. Contact your local NRCS or FSA office for CCRP information.

For more information on the riparian buffer being established at HAL, contact Steve Rasmussen at 370-4024 or Dave Shelton at 370-4009.

(Adapted from news release, 2001)

USING CUTTINGS FOR RIPARIAN PLANTING ESTABLISHMENT

One method of establishing a riparian forest planting (trees planted next to a steam, pond or other water source) is through the use of cuttings (sticks from branches) off trees that have the potential of rooting and growing. The most commonly used trees in this area are the cottonwood and willow species. These trees are related to the Salicaceae family and root quite readily when supplied with sufficient water.

Cuttings can be taken during late winter and early spring before the leaf buds start to expand and grow. For the easiest and most common method of planting, cuttings are used from branches. Some bioengineering techniques will use post size, larger material but that will not be discussed here. The best and most prolific rooting takes place on those cuttings from the younger wood (most recent growth). As most tree growers know, branches grow outward each year with a terminal leaf scar and a slight difference in caliper occurring at the end of each growing cycle. On cottonwood, try to use the fast growing sucker sprouts or terminal branches that are from last year or two years. On willows it is less important but still best to use the young wood.

Make the cuttings at least 8 to 10 inches long. When planting, the object is to leave two to four buds above ground with the rest of the "stick" being planted and expected to root. One good method is to take 14-16 inch cuttings and put them to soak in a 5 gallon bucket filled with water. Make sure the buds are pointing up. These cuttings can be left in the bucket to root (usually in two to three weeks) or after a couple of days out planted directly on the site if the area has sufficient subsoil water to initiate the rooting on site.

If the cuttings are allowed to root, extra care needs to be taken when planting not to knock off the tender, sensitive roots that have initiated. If the cuttings are used before they start to root, in soft and wet ground these can be pushed directly into the soil. Use pruning clippers to make a sharp point for the bottom end to make the stick easier to be pushed in the ground.

When planting, watch closely to make sure the stick is planted with the buds pointing up. On some species like pussy willow this is easy to see. On other species with smaller buds, this is more difficult to notice. Plant the cutting so there are at least two buds left above ground. This is where the new leaves and branches will develop for the tree growth in future years. For best success, plant in locations where there is wet soil that stays moist for several months. If the area dries out, then you will need to water the tree cuttings once a week to keep the area around the roots moist. This moisture is essential to sustain the new root development for the first several years.

Willows will handle the wetter sites best, but if there is standing water or very soggy ground for most of the summer, even these trees will probably drown out eventually. Cottonwoods like moist soil and can not handle as wet or soggy of ground as the willows. Cottonwoods do best where there is moist soil with a water table two to three feet below the soil surface for most of the year and only occasional periods of flooding and standing water.

Collecting your own cuttings from local trees can be a cost saving and fun project for a riparian forest project. It is using the local tree resource that should be the most adapted and capable of growing for the site. Try this in a location you want to protect a stream bank from erosion or where you want to establish some woody vegetation for wildlife. One word of caution, you should plant these cuttings at a relatively thick density (6 to 10 feet apart) to allow for predation of animals like rabbits and deer the first several years. Then as the stems get larger be on the watch for beavers that may want to make a lunch of the young trees!

Steven D. Rasmussen
District/Extension Forester
Northeast Res. & Ext. Center
601 E. Benjamin Avenue, Suite 104
Norfolk, NE 68701-0812
Phone: (402) 370-4024
FAX: (402) 370-4010
E-mail: srasmussen2@unl.edu

SPREAD THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE

Tips and suggestions for spreading the Fire Prevention message in your community.

April
· Wildland/Urban Interface Protection - Conduct a "Show Me" tour for the press of homes in the wildland/urban interface that are well protected - and not so well protected. Emphasize the steps that homeowners should take to protect their property.

May
· Memorial Day Weekend - The first holiday weekend of the summer season offers a prime opportunity to issue a news release that reminds outdoor recreationists to prevent wildfires when camping, backpacking or biking on public lands.
· Fire Briefing - Conduct a media briefing, in conjunction with the fire management staff, to preview the upcoming fire season for reporters. Highlight your fire prevention efforts and encourage reporters to incorporate fire prevention messages when they cover wildfires.
· Newsletters - Nearly every group, club and organization has a newsletter and they are frequently looking for material. Offer to write some fire prevention tips or an article for their publication.

June
· Pre-School/Day Care Presentations - Offer to conduct fire prevention programs for local pre-schools and day care centers. Invite the media to cover your presentations.
· Fireside Chats - Fireside chats at campgrounds and parks enable the YOU to reach potential public land users. Issue a news release to notify the public about these events.
· Public Service Announcements (PSA) - Develop and distribute radio PSA to remind outdoor recreationists to be careful with fire.
· Talk Shows - Offer local television and radio talk shows an opportunity to do a show about fire prevention. Also offer to appear on "morning drive" radio shows with deejays to discuss prevention.

A CHILD'S FIRE PLAY MAY BE A CALL FOR HELP

Is a child who sets fires or plays with matches calling for help? The Nebraska Forest Service warns that may be true. Playing with fire may be an expression of pain or frustration. Fire play is not a phase children go through. If a child plays with fire often, while understanding the dangers involved, parents should seek help immediately. Call your local fire department for assistance.

Remember ignoring a child's fire play can be fatal!

WHAT ABOUT SPRINKLERS "ON" THE HOME?

For years we have protected our businesses from fire with sprinklers. With today's technology this protection can be extended to the home. Millions of Americans have installed smoke detectors in their homes, but a detector can only alert the occupants to a fire - it cannot contain or extinguish a fire. A Residential Sprinkler System can!

But, what about sprinklers on the home? Sprinkler system "on" the outside of the home can benefit those homes built in wooded areas. During a forest fire and/or wildland fire, flying firebrands are a source of ignition causing many homes to burn.

Firebrands are pieces of burning materials that are blown from a fire due to strong winds in the fire area. Winds can carry these firebrands a mile or more. The chance of a firebrand igniting a home will depend on the size of the firebrand, how long it burns after contact, and the materials, design and construction of the home.

To prevent firebrands from igniting lawns adjacent to the home; large capacity lawn sprinklers can be placed in the defensible space around the home.

These same large capacity lawn sprinklers can be placed on the roof of the home to thoroughly soak the roof and prevent live embers from igniting the roof. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of lawn sprinklers on flammable roofs may be adversely affected by high winds and heat generated by the wildfire.

It is a good idea to provide water for use on lawns, etc., from a source separate from the water source for domestic home use. If the home is fortunate enough to be located on a rural water district supply line, the line may also be used by the fire department as a source of water. More people using the line in an emergency will cause the water pressure to fall especially if it is used by the fire department.

Other sources of water for fire protection purposes are swimming pools, fish and stock ponds, irrigation wells and cisterns. When this type of water source is used, the homeowner will often have a portable gasoline engine driven water pump to supply the sprinkler system. This will provide water in the event of an electrical power failure. The farther the water source is from the structures to be protected, the larger the pump and the hose diameter will be needed to supply enough water.

Large capacity sprinklers can also be used to soak the defensible zone around your home and other structures to prevent a wildfire from burning into the zone.

(Excerpt from brochure entitled "Sprinklers are for more than just your yard" by Bob E. Vogltance, Fire Resource Manager; Larry L. Wiles, Fire Resource Manager, Nebraska Forest Service)

Radio PSA

Radio PSA should be the same length as commercials: 10-, 20-, 30- or 60-seconds (30-seconds is the standard). A 30-second spot is approximately 75 words (150 words for 60-seconds, 50 words for 20-seconds, and 25 words for 10-seconds). Ideally, adapt your message to fit each of these lengths to give the radio station flexibility to fill their available time slots.

You can provide radio PSA in two formats - as a produced audio tape or as a printed message for an announcer to read. Contact your District or State Public Affairs Office to determine if they have the capability to help you produce an audio tape. If you do submit a produced audio tape, send a written transcript of the PSA to help station staff who will preview it. If not, follow these guidelines to provide printed PSA:

· Use a 8 ½" x 11" piece of paper. Write "PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT" at the top of the page with the length of the PSA, in seconds, directly below.
· Include a subtitle that details the subject of the PSA.
· Provide a contact name and telephone number.
· Specify a "kill date," which is the last date the PSA should air.
· Type and double-space the PSA using all capital letters.
· Include phonetic pronunciations in parentheses for names or terms that may be difficult to pronounce.

Sample PSA

· It's windy in the spring. Trash should be kept in a place where it won't blow away and become fuel for a fire. Sometimes children who don't understand how dangerous fire is will play with fire outside; this is especially dangerous when it is windy outside. If you see someone doing this, you should tell an adult.
· Spring cleaning time is here again. Remember, a clean house is a safer house. The Nebraska Forest Service reminds you that trash, boxes, piles of clothes and other combustibles in the home are fuel for a fire. Getting rid of them will help reduce the chance of fire in your home.
· Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home. At least 70% of all fire deaths occur in residences.
· Clean out storage areas such as garages, attics, closets, sheds and basements on a regular basis. Even warehouses are limited to the amount of storage they can safely keep. Don't allow areas in your home to become tempting fuel for a fire. Throw away or give away items you are no longer using. Clutter gives fire a place to start and creates obstacles that might prevent escaping safely.
· Oily rags can ignite without a heat source because they produce their own heat. Throw them out or store them in a closed, metal container. This includes dusting rags used with a furniture polish or spray.

Bob E. Vogltance, Fire Resource Manager
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
441 S. Colfax
West Point, NE 68788
(402) 372-5665
E-mail: bv55315@navix.net