Illinois Forests

Volume 3 Issue 3 Spring 2021

Illinois Forests

“The Voice for Illinois Forests”

Inside this Issue...

A Message From the IFA President IFA News and Updates Habitat Loss Spring “Green Up” The Woodland Wildlife Cooperative The Plants of Concern Program Spring Tree Planting and more...

Photo Taken at: Dixon Springs Agricultural Center 2020 Illinois Forestry Association IFA Technical Advisors Board of Directors Chris Evans (Chair) Regional Directors University of Illinois Executive Committee Extension Forester Region 1 618/695-3383 (office) PRESIDENT [email protected] Mike McMahan (Region 4) Bill Fern Vienna, IL Chicago, IL Wade Conn 618/977-3415 773/551-5561 State Forester, USDA-NRCS [email protected] [email protected] 217/353-6647 (office) [email protected] Tom Walsh VICE-PRESIDENT Durand, IL Paul Deizman Landon Satterfield (Region 4) 815/248-2234 IDNR Forest Resources Boaz, KY (Benton, IL) [email protected] 217/782-3376 (office) 270/704-2687 Tricia Bethke [email protected] [email protected] Naperville, IL 630/234-7325 John Edgington SECRETARY [email protected] University of Illinois (retired) Dave Gillespie (Region 2) 217/840-5162 Chatham, IL [email protected] 217/494-6982 Region 2 [email protected] Jay Hayek University of Illinois John Lovseth Region 4 Extension Forester Interim TREASURER Jerseyville, IL 217/244-0534 (office) Mike McMahan (Region 4) 618/374.5291 Roger Smith [email protected] Vienna, IL [email protected] Benton, IL 618/977-3415 Lee Rife 618/927-2057 Stan Sipp [email protected] Springfield, IL [email protected] Forester 217/652-2634 Bill Buechel 217/489-9003 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT [email protected] Highland, IL [email protected] Joe FitzSimmons (Region 4) 904/480-0006 Vienna, IL Kevin Bennet Gary Stratton [email protected] 773/852-7120 Hopewell, IL Forester - Retired IDNR [email protected] 618/954-0113 618/736-2854 [email protected] Jeff Biethman [email protected] Red Bud, IL PROGRAM COORDINATOR 618/282-3651 Chris Whittom Zach DeVillez Region 3 [email protected] IDNR Forest Resources Makanda, IL 217/785-8264 (office) 618/8410932 Stan Sipp 217/280-3659 (cell) [email protected] Mansfield, IL 217/714-1855 [email protected] [email protected]

Our Mission... “to act on issues that impact rural and community forests and to promote forestry in Illinois.” Our Goals... • Promote forest management and help landowners manage their forests • Educate members and the general public about rural and community forestry • Advocate for favorable legislation and policies to benefit/protect landowners managing their forests • Understand and engage our members, and increase IFA membership https://ilforestry.org • Govern the IFA efficiently and effectively to better serve our charitable mission

2 Association News

Message From the IFA President

Fellow IFA Members –

IFA is on the verge of significant You can see the scope of these leadership in the Illinois forestry initiatives is literally state-wide. world. Over the last several years, Therefore, we will need volunteers IFA has proposed several projects to help plan project details and to the Illinois Forestry Development then execute them efficiently Council (IFDC) which have been on a pre-planned schedule. This approved. These include, but are is especially important with the not limited to, two major invasive seedling project – we need to be management drive-thru areas, one precise on this one for sure. at Touch of Nature near Carbondale and the other at the HeartLands If you are interested in helping at Conservancy, Arlington Wetlands any level with either of these major near Collinsville. Another significant efforts, please let us know so we project is the coordination of four include you in every step of the Field Days around the State to focus planning process. These initiatives on forestry issues. would not officially start until the IFDC approves the IFA proposals to This maturing partnership between be submitted in May 2021. Each IFA and the IFDC sets the stage for approved project must be 100% two equally significant projects complete by June 2022 in order for Figure 1: State champion cherrybark involving our State Champion Trees. funding to be released to IFA. oak Both of these projects are in the “idea” stage, but the IFA board is I will be asking the Board of continuing to explore the following Directors to take leadership roles in projects. The first project would be these efforts and be the focal point an effort to grow seedlings from for you to get involved. Contact selected Champion Trees for several information will follow. If you want years and offer the resulting young to volunteer early, you can certainly If you shop on Amazon, consider do so by contacting me or Zach trees for sale on a pre-order basis. entering the site through this link: An accompanying project will be to now. identify 12 Champion Trees annually https://smile.amazon.com/ and develop a calendar for use by ch/27-0134781 either the IFDC or the IDNR – or both. Each year 12 new Champions Even without the specifics, it’s easy will be selected until all have been to search for the Illinois Forestry featured. Association as your preferred charitable organization. Just remember to enter “smile dot” before amazon dot com. At no cost to you, Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchase totals to the IFA. Every little bit helps. Thanks for your support!

3 3 Partner & Program News

IFA News and Updates by Zach DeVillez

This year, the IFA has multiple Regional Field Day exciting projects to educate Schedule members and the general public about responsible forest Very soon, throughout May and management. One of which, occured June, the IFA will be holding four The third field day will be held at the on April 17th at the Arlington regional field events to show Howard Coleman and Funderburg Wetlands Center. attendees different aspects of Forest Preserves outside of Rockford responsible forest management. on Saturday June 5th from 10:00 The IFA, along with HeartLands These field tours will be held in- am - 12:00 pm. The tour will be Conservancy staff toured the work person, but will have a 50 person led by Consulting Forester, Mike that IFA board member, Roger Smith limit for attendees. Registration will Woolery and Forest Pest Outreach conducted within the area. The be required, so when registration Coordinator, Tricia Bethke. The forest around Arlington Wetlands opens, make sure to reserve your Howard Coleman and Funderburg had the same non-native invasive spot! Forest Preserves are geographically species challenges that most sites adjacent to one another, but have have around Illinois. The forest The first field day will be held at been managed differently. Attendees was covered by a dense wall of Principia College in Elsah, Illinois will learn about silviculture, invasive bush honeysuckle. The forestry on May 19th from 5:00 pm - 6:30 species control, prescribed fire, mulcher effectively removed the pm. This field tour will be led by harvesting, and forest pests that bush honeysuckle and made control Dr. John Lovseth, an Assistant could threaten Illinois forests. efforts easier to accomplish. The Professor of Biology and Natural next step will be for HeartLands Resources and Illinois Forestry The fourth field day will be held at Conservancy staff and volunteers Association board member. John Allerton Park, near Monticello Illinois to treat resprouts with a systemic facilitates management to the forest on June 14th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. herbicide. within Principia College’s campus. This tour of Allerton Park will be led Attendees of this field tour will get to by Ryan Pankau. More details will be Roger Smith did a wonderful see a 65-acre prescribed burn, a site available for this program soon! job demonstrating the various that was sprayed aerially to control techniques and herbicide specifics bush honeysuckle infestations, and needed to effectively control woody learn about the timber rattlesnake invasives. Attendees were able to conservation efforts being made on learn these techniques so that they These events are free and Principia College’s campus. can replicate the techniques on the available to the public, forest they own or professionally however registeration is The second field day will be held manage. required! at Touch of Nature Environmental Center at SIUC. This event is When you arrive at the Arlington For more details about these scheduled on Saturday May 22nd Wetlands today, you see what events and to register, go to: from 10:00 am - 11:30 pm. This foresters would call a beautiful thing; field tour will be led by Dr. Charles you see the interior of the forest. https://www.ilforestry.org/ Ruffner, a Forestry Professor at SIUC, No longer will visitors’ views be Events Roger Smith, an arborist and IFA obstructed by dense infestations board member, as well as Chris Evans of bush honeysuckle. Visitors can and Zach DeVillez with University of see right through the forest to the Illinois Extension Forestry. Attendees beautiful wetland , nestled within of this field tour will learn about the forest. With repeated monitoring prescribed burns and Forest Stand and retreating, greater native plant Improvement, invasive species diversity should reatake the forest. control, and emerald ash borer.

4 Featured Articles Habitat Fragmentation And The Need For More Well Managed Contiguous Forests

By Zach DeVillez

In today’s world, there have never Causes of Habitat Loss been more environmental concerns. It seems as if every day, a new study Deforestation: comes to light that paints a gloomy picture about the future of our global Deforestation is one such practice environment. While a great deal of that heavily impacts wildlife. divisiveness remains entrenched Deforestation is the act of removing in the conversation about climate a large area of trees, often taking change and environmental health, the form of a clear-cut (cutting every one thing we know for certain is that tree within a forest). However, it natural resources are limited and is important to draw a distinction changes to our natural ecosystems between deforestation and have far-reaching negative impacts strategically cutting some trees to wildlife. Habitat loss and for ecological benefit. Strategically Figure 1: Vital wetland habitat fragmentation is one such issue that removing specific species of trees negatively impacts wildlife today. from a forest is considered beneficial in some environments. It is a What is Habitat practice that helps foresters control Invasive Species: Fragmentation? succession of occuring species of trees and is often conducted to The introduction and encroachment Habitat fragmentation is the act of maintain or improve biodiversity. of non-native invasive species to breaking down continuous habitat Deforestation however, can really natural communities is also a form into smaller pieces. This happens at a hurt wildlife populations. Clear- of habitat loss. Invasive species have large scale in different environments cutting can be a necessary practice a tendancy to outcompete native on the planet. Habitat loss and in some cases, but when desirable plants and wildlife. While invasive fragmentation is well documented trees are not allowed to rehabitate plants and animals do not necesarily within environments like the the area, this practice can really hurt remove habitat from the landscape, rainforest. Large, crucial habitats in wildlife. they alter habitat, often making the rainforest are often destroyed an ecosystem too homogeneous and fragmented to create space for in nature by outcompeting and agriculture. However, habitat loss and Draining of Wetlands: overpopulating. fragmentation occur globally. Studies have shown that as urbanization Wetland environments are vital to increases, habitat amount tends many different species of wildlife. to decrese while fragmentation Unfortunately, many of these increases. To put this trend in simple diversity-rich habitats are drained terms, as the human population to convert the soil for agricultural has risen, contiguous habitat has purposes. This practice has decreased. dessimated many aquatic systems, removing valuable habitat from the landscape.

Figure 2: Invasive Japanese Chaff Flower Continued on the next page - 5 Featured Articles

A Historical Look at Habitat Fragmentation What Can Landowners Illinois’ Habitat Loss Affect on Wildlife in Do? Illinois Humans have obviously had a major The single most important thing impact on the landscape in Illinois, Habitat fragmentation can affect a landowner can do is be a good and everywhere else for that matter. different wildlife in varying ways. steward of their land. Work However, you may be interested to Some wildlife respond better to closely with foresters and wildlife know what Illinois looked like pre- fragmentation, being able to tolerate professionals to make sure you are European settlement. At one time, forest as well as edge habitats. optimizing your lands’ ecological Illinois was covered by over 13 million These species are called habitat benefit to wildlife. Since much acres of forest and around 8 million generalists and they are considered of Illinois’ habitat is owned by acres of wetland. Today we have just more adaptable. Habitat generalists private landowners in relatively under 5 million acres of forest and include species such as white tailed small parcels, it is important for around 1 million acres of wetland. deer, opossums, and raccoons. On multiple neighboring landowners While urban development and the other hand, habitat specialists are to get on board with habitat agriculture are necesarry to humans’ heavily impacted by fragmentation. management. Control your invasives, societal needs, this is a staggering These species have very specific add prescribed fire to your land, loss that has undoubtedly impacted habitat needs. When habitat is taken thin forests to optimize species wildlife. away or degraded, these species composition, plant a pollinator have a hard time adapting to the garden, convert fallow fields to massive ecological change. Wildlife forests or prairie habitat. There are in this category include animals like so many ways a landowner can help timber rattlesnakes, prairie chickens, wildlife. and the Indiana bat. There have never been more environmental concerns than we have today, but we can all do our part to help conserve and create habitat for the critters big and small that we share this land with. As landowners, we have the power to ensure that our children and our children’s children inherit an environment rich in wildlife diversity.

Figure 3 & 4: Comparison of forest cover pre-European settlement and present day 6 Featured Articles

Spring “Green” Up

By Cody Widner NWTF Forester

There are many things that define Luckily, we’ve come to realize that the arrival of spring whether it’s a some of these exotic plants can be groundhog, warmer temperatures, invasive and can be very detrimental melting snow, or one of my personal to our native ecosystems, especially favorites, the thunderous gobble our forested ecosystems. Many from an eastern wild turkey. Then of states have even made it illegal for course there is also the green-up of nurseries to sell some species to woody and herbaceous plants that the public. Individual invasive plant have been dormant through what species are regulated in Illinois seemed like a never-ending winter. primarily through three regulations: However, not all of this luscious, the Illinois Exotic Weed Act and green growth that’s occurring in the Illinois Injurious Species Rule (IDNR) woods is as attractive as it may seem Figure 1: Bush honeysuckle taking over and the Illinois Noxious Weed Law since a lot of the green we’re seeing understory in a hardwood forest. (IDOA). Collectively, these three rules early in the spring is coming from Photo by: John Burk restrict the sale and movement of invasive plant species. SIXTY-TWO invasive plant species.

The presence of these invasive Almost all of these invasive species species may not seem like a problem, are exotic, and are usually native to right? Afterall, they seem to provide Asia. These plants were introduced to cover and produce seeds that the United States for their ‘desirable’ are consumed by wildlife. Well, traits such as their fall colors, the unfortunately this is not the case. capability to grow quickly, and their Although they do appear to provide ability to produce a high amount of cover and act as a food source for fruit/seeds. These traits make them wildlife, we can get far better cover attractive to homeowners who and much more palatable food are looking to add plants to their sources from our native plant species. landscaping.

The problem with invasive species Not only are these plants commonly Figure 2: Kudzu; an invasive vine is once they’re introduced to an planted in landscaping, but in the restricted under the Exotic Weed Act. area they will rapidly spread and 1950s these plants were widely Photo by: Chris Evans take over an area, out-competing used by farmers, ranchers and even and displacing native plants and natural resource managers. Farmers disrupting the naturally balanced and ranchers used to plant multi Even though there are several native plant communities. Not flora rose (Rosa multiflora) to serve regulations that prohibit the sale of to mention, invasive species also as a living fence for livestock due to invasive plant species, they are still don’t have any predators that occur its ability to grow in thick clumps present in our native ecosystems naturally in their new environment, and its thorns that discourage and are becoming a major problem whereas our native species have anything from going through it. Even in some areas, and will become a numerous predators such as the land managers historically used to major problem in others if we don’t white-tailed deer. plant invasive species such as bush start acting now to fight against the honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and spread. For landowners, the fight autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) against invasive species can seem like for their rapid seed production a daunting task. The gear that is that was thought to be relished by wildlife. Continued on the next page - 7 needed to treat invasive species This is just one of the many examples For more information often isn’t the biggest concern of resources that private landowners for landowners. However, time is have access to. Some other resources about who to contact and definitely the biggest hindrance that landowners have are district where you can find help when battling invasives. foresters and district biologists please follow the links employed by the Illinois Department listed below: Most landowners simply don’t of Natural Resources (IDNR). These have the time to take on the battle individuals can also come out to NWTF Foresters in Illinois themselves because they have a provide technical assistance on https://www.nwtf.org/ full-time job, hunting season, and/ management recommendations for about/state/illinois or other projects or commitments private landowners. that they already have. Luckily, there IDNR District Foresters in is help out there for concerned To sum it up, if you are a landowner Illinois landowners who want to fight who’s interested in fighting against https://www2.illinois. invasives. invasive species, then there is help gov/dnr/conservation/ out there. Not only will you benefit Forestry/Documents/ Whether a landowner needs help the native plant communities in your DistrictForesters.pdf with the know-how of fighting forest, but you’ll also improve the invasives, or if they want to get habitat for focal wildlife species – Consulting Foresters in assistance to do the work by hiring something we can all appreciate no Illinois a wildlife or forestry consultant matter what our main interests are. https://www2.illinois. that offer services such as invasive gov/dnr/conservation/ species control for a fee, then there Forestry/Documents/ are individuals who are employed ConsultingForesters.pdf by the state, government and non- governmental organizations who can help them become aware of the options they have available to them.

For example, my position is designed to provide technical assistance to private forest landowners by writing management plans, helping them enroll in cost-share programs and informing them on any challenges © Rob Routledge, Sault College, they may be facing as a land Bugwood.org manager. The best part about Figure 3: Eastern wild turkey these services is that they are all FREE to landowners. The position is set up through an agreement between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). I primarily work in the Driftless Region of Illinois which encompasses Jo Daviess, Carroll, Winnebago, and Stephenson counties. There are also two other NWTF foresters that provide similar services that work in different parts of Illinois – Stacy Lindemann (Illinois & Kaskaskia River Region) and Chase Seals (Shawnee Hills Region).

8 Featured Articles The Woodland Wildlife Cooperative Forming Alliances to Improve Wildlife Habitat By Brad Petersburg

It’s Time To Change My dense. For the same reason, many Reason 1.) Effectiveness - Many once-common wildlife species are species of native wildlife require Forest Management Plan declining rapidly. Instead of a natural large, contiguous areas of habitat to transition from dense forest… to maintain viable populations. I am one of the thousands that have open woodland… to native prairie, moved to Jo Daviess County over we now largely have dense forest Reason 2.) Practicality - To be the years because of the wooded and crop fields. The lack of habitat practical in rugged terrain, firebreaks hills and rural beauty of this region. diversity has led to a lack of wildlife and prescribed burns must cross About 15 years ago, I bought a diversity. Something needs to property lines. heavily wooded parcel near Galena change… starting with my Forest and semi-retired. The woods looked Management Plan. Reason 3.) Efficiency - A large, perfect to me. The need to manage contiguous area of land can be this woodland did not even occur to managed much more efficiently than me. smaller, separate tracts. Procuring forest management services on a Yet, I quickly accepted the prior collaborative basis lowers cost for all owner’s Forest Management Plan members. as soon as I learned that doing so would keep my property taxes lower. Reason 4.) Support - Cooperation It was not until I attended some among adjacent landowners makes basic forestry classes that I learned it easier to attract support from the economic value of timber stand various organizations and agencies improvement. that can provide important technical and financial assistance. In our case, initial supporters included NWTF, Figure 2: A chart showing the USFWS, NRCS, IDNR, & JDCF. progressional decline of red-headed woodpeckers from the IL Wildlife Reason 5.) Other Opportunities - As Action Plan the Cooperative expands, so does the potential for cooperative marketing of timber or other products, which Reasons to Team Up With gives woodland owners increased Neighbors leverage and the ability to reach alternative markets. Plus, value- Rather than tackle this important added processing may become challenge on my own, I decided a viable option. This adds to the to approach my neighbors this third leg of sustainability (profit or Figure 1: One of many magnificent past winter to see if they would prosperity), which in the long run white oaks in Jo Daviess County be interested in joining me in will make habitat restoration and an informal Woodland Wildlife maintenance less dependent on Unfortunately, it took several more Cooperative. There are numerous grants and government support. years before I began to realize reasons to work cooperatively with that forest management impacts neighbors on improving native more than timber production. The wildlife habitat, which in this region sprawling, open-grown oak trees that typically involves oak ecosystem I love are slowly dying off and, under restoration. current management, they will never be replaced. The canopy is simply too

Continued on the next page - 9 Response From Neighbors The Master plan will... Contiguity and Continuity 1.) provide a current assessment The Cooperative exists to create of Block 1 as a benchmark against The map below of tax parcels opportunities, not obligations. Yet, which to measure progress. represents less than 2% of Jo Daviess initial skepticism is only natural. 2.) inform members about ways to County. As more people like me buy Adequately addressing landowner improve wildlife habitat and protect a wooded retreat, the ownership, concerns, upfront, is obviously critical water quality without ignoring and thus the management, of our to moving forward with this type timber production. oak-hickory woodlands becomes of initiative. A video call involving 3.) identify the layout of firebreaks, increasingly fragmented. Some neighbors and representatives from which Cooperative members will parcels are managed for timber each of the supporting orgs/agencies need to review, amend if necessary, production, some are managed for was held to review proposed plans and approve. An initial draft of the wildlife habitat and, unfortunately, and to answer questions. Master Plan will likely be presented many are not managed at all. This The main concerns were… to the members in April. fragmentation of management can 1.) cost lead to fragmentation of wildlife 2.) “strings” attached to government Next, the professional forester habitat, which is a major reason program participation referenced above will meet for the decline of native wildlife 3.) risks related to the use of fire as a individually with each Cooperative populations. Fortunately, once a management tool member to discuss their individual wildlife-friendly FMP exists for a 4.) maintaining FDA compliance to property and specific goals, and given parcel, the tendency is for retain a lower property tax rate to update that member’s Forest future owners to adopt and continue Management Plan (FMP) accordingly. the same plan. This continuity of There are 14 landowners in the 1500- To streamline the process, we are management is especially important acre, irregularly shaped “country creating an FMP template that given the turnover in land ownership. block” where I live (bounded by includes the typical information In my neighborhood, over 50% of the three roads). This is Co-op “Block 1”. and schedule of work, plus includes land has changed hands in the last 15 So far, 12 landowners have agreed authorization for prescribed burns years. to participate, which includes over and other optional work. Our IDNR 90% of the land in Block 1. The District Forester suggested that only membership requirement is to additional work on wildlife habitat cooperate with prescribed burns, be listed as optional. By making which will be led by experienced that work optional, landowners will professionals. Everything else is feel more comfortable including optional. Neighboring landowners all their goals for improving their across the road have also expressed woodland without creating any rigid interest. Since our supporting obligations. Progress on optional organizations and agencies each work will be entirely at the discretion have staffing and financial limitations, of each member and, since some we are jointly exploring grant of this work can be costly, will likely opportunities to fund expansion into depend upon the availability of cost- Figure 3: Land parcels in Joe Daviess Blocks 2, 3, 4, and beyond. share programs. Lastly, our District County Forester has agreed to reset the 10-year timeline on each member’s My understanding of woodland Creating a More Wildlife- FMP in Block 1. Though FMPs are management has changed not a legally binding obligation, dramatically over the years, and I Friendly FMP the unified timeline supports a still have a lot to learn. By forming coordinated 10-year initiative by the alliances with my neighbors and with Representatives from our supporting members. Plus, updating all FMPs like-minded GOs and NGOs, we can organizations and agencies (more at the same time in another 10 years all learn more together, work more specifically, a forester, a wildlife creates another opportunity to lower efficiently, and have a much greater biologist, and a land restoration cost by engaging one firm for the impact. specialist) are currently working on a entire Block. Master Plan for the Cooperative.

10 Featured Articles

State Forester Report By Paul Deizman IDNR State Forester

At the one-year mark since COVID-19 urban and community forestry stay at home order the DNR programs and fire programs, remains open and the Division of operating the tree, seed and plant Forest Resources (Division) remains nursery, demonstrating forestry delivering full services and working on our state forests and dozens of out of trucks, homes and offices as other forestry related programs and necessary. The DNR headquarters services. and field offices remain closed to the public. Your State Forester and the Division remain committed to promoting The state government processes and delivering forestry, forest are beginning to return to pre- management, forest habitats and COVID shape. What that final shape forest health across all Illinois looks like is still to be determined. forests. We treasure the ongoing The Division has nine critical open and new forestry partnerships positions to fill and we are told job with landowners, organizations, postings and hiring is moving along. governments, and others in Historically speaking, hiring has conservation of our precious forest always been a bit of a bottleneck resources. To that end we hope to so we are remaining patient with make headway this year on more few other options and alternatives. of the important actions outlined We hope to offer the Fire Programs in the Illinois Forest Action Plan Manager position to an already most noteworthy of them being interviewed candidate very soon, permanent forestry division funding. to be located at Benton, IL. Our #1 and #2 priorities remain a nursery “Gold is luxury. technician/specialist at Mason Co. and a forester at Wayne Co. Trees are

IDNR Foresters at the districts are extremely busy with CRP, FDA necessities. Man and EQIP field projects, plans and activities in addition to any seasonal field work. This late winter and can live and early spring many of our foresters additionally participate in deer thrive without culling for the CWD control program, conducting or leading Rx burning on state and private land and planting gold, but we new forests on state and private land. Division leadership remains engaged with staff and partners in delivering cannot survive the forest stewardship and FDA program, delivering a wide range of without trees.” - Paul Bamikole

11 Featured Articles

The Plants of Concern Program

By Chris Benda Botanitst and Researcher

The biological heritage of Illinois But while some plants are gone from is rich. Yet, many plant species are the Illinois landscape, all is not lost. in peril. Species that were once Some plant species persist, although common are now relegated to they live a precarious existence. areas that are too steep, too wet, or They need protection for long-term otherwise unsuitable to farm, graze, survival and one program that exists After completing online training or log. These areas comprise the to monitor these rarities is called and signing a confidentiality natural areas of Illinois and contain Plants of Concern. agreement, volunteers are tasked many natural community types that with monitoring a rare plant species range from prairie, to wetland, to Originating at the Chicago Botanic at a specific location. Population forest, with many types in between. Garden, the program relies on size, reproduction, and threats such volunteers to monitor rare plant as invasive species are shared with In 1979, a pioneering project called populations and has been in place land managers to develop the best the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory in northeast Illinois since 2001. One conservation and management determined that just 0.07% of the of the successes of the program practices to support rare plants and land in the state was considered relates to the white lady slipper their habitat. The goal is to track pristine natural habitat. As a result of orchid. Over time, data collected changes to the populations over this loss of habitat, plants that once by volunteers showed that the time to ascertain their status as occurred throughout the state are species has recovered and is stable stable, threatened, or endangered now rare. Take the Eastern Prairie in appropriate habitat at protected in Illinois. This information guides Fringed Orchid for example. This sites, leading to its delisting. the review process by the Illinois beautiful orchid was once draped Recently, the program was expanded Endangered Species Protection across the Illinois prairie, as far as one to include southernmost Illinois, Board (IESPB), which is mandated to could see, in every direction. Now, and I was hired to coordinate the occur every 5 years. Currently, there most of the prairie is gone, converted project through the Plant Biology are 266 endangered plant species to farmland, and so too are most of department at Southern Illinois and 67 threatened plant species the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchids. University Carbondale. in Illinois and a complete list of all the threatened and endangered species in Illinois can be found at the IESPB website, https://www2.illinois. gov/dnr/ESPB/Documents/ET%20 List%20Review%20and%20Revision/ Illinois%20Endangered%20and%20 Threatened%20Species.pdf.

With threats like invasive species and anomalous weather events due to climate change, plants need our help now more than ever. We owe it to all those who came before us and to all those who will follow, to ensure that the biological heritage of the great © Christopher David Benda state of Illinois persists, and hopefully Figure 2: White lady slipper orchid thrives. To become involved with the (Cypripedium candidum) Plants of Concern program, please visit the website at plantsofconcern. © Christopher David Benda org. Figure 1: Eastern prairie fringe orchid (Platanthera leucophaea)

12 Featured Articles

By Ryan Pankau Tree Planting University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator

Overview for collection of each species’ fruits. Also, be sure you understand storage In nature, there is a myriad of requirements for any collected or factors that can contribute to the purchased seed. Be aware that success or failure of a tree planting some seed crops are cyclical and can operation. Many of these aspects, vary from year to year, which may such as weather, are entirely out of create a challenge finding enough our control and we have to just hope seed in a particular year. Consider for the best. However, the type of supplementing your seed collection planting stock and the installation by purchasing harder to find seeds. method we choose are both entirely under our control. In fact, it is Direct seeding is typically done in © Brian Lockhart, USDA Forest Service, imperative we plan accordingly to the fall and works best in locations Bugwood.org be sure that viable plant material with good equipment access. It Figure 1: Direct seeding of acorns makes it to the field, gets installed is extremely helpful to use tillage correctly and proper follow-up care equipment for seedbed preparation, Bare-Root Seedlings is provided as necessary until trees making this planting method ideal for reforestation of cropland or other become established. Bare-root seedlings are perhaps the planting locations that are relatively most popular and versatile planting flat and easily accessible. In hilly In this article, I will review common method in Illinois. From machine or sloping locations, tillage can be planting methods and highlight planting and site preparation with problematic due to erosion concerns. the strengths and weaknesses of heavy equipment, to the simplest each method to help landowners of hand-planting operations, bare- Since you are essentially “starting choose the best method for their tree root seedlings offer a wide range of from scratch” in this planting planting operation. options to fit most any planting site. method, weed control and follow- up monitoring of tree survival New IFA Board There is typically a variety of species Direct Seeding are incredibly important. In available for purchase each year, addition, management of wildlife We all know that diversity is an Member Spotlight although supplies do vary year to is exceedingly important as seed incredibly important aspect of forest year. Some flexibility must be built and seedling predictors are likely health. The primary advantage into all planting designs but there the biggest contributor to planting of direct seeding over other types are always enough species available failure. Prior to seed collection or of tree planting is the ability to to mix and match a diverse selection purchase, be sure you have a good include a wide variety of species, that is well suited to the site. plan in place to provide weed and since seeds are widely available for wildlife control for at least the first 3 collection or purchase. It is also one Bare-root trees are lifted from years of the planting. of the cheapest methods of tree nursery beds during dormancy planting, but requires the most site each fall or winter and are stored For more specific information on preparation and follow-up care to in refrigeration until springtime. direct seeding, please refer to the ensure proper establishment. Therefore, this planting method is Illinois Direct Seeding Handbook only possible in late winter or spring at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ While other forms of plant material due to the timing and availability of portal/nrcs/il/technical/landuse/ may be limited by suppliers, seed plant materials. forestry/nrcs141p2_030634/ . collection has far fewer barriers, especially if you are willing to travel around the local area to collect your own. If you plan to collect seeds, be sure you understand the proper time

Continued on the next page - 13 Featured Articles

Seedlings can be planted anytime Containerized Trees meaning there are fewer plants in late winter or spring when soil is per acre installed than with other not frozen, with the earliest planting Containerized trees are often methods. This low stocking date being best to ensure planting available in 3 or 5 gallon pots and creates an ideal opportunity success. Depending on the planting represent the largest sized plant for invasive species intrusion or site and access, saturated spring material that is practical to install at an overabundance of natural soils can be a challenge, especially field scale. In recent years, more and regeneration that can outcompete in the early season. If possible, plan more species have become available planted trees and lower diversity. site preparation activities for the as containerized stock, making There is just more space that must be previous fall to ensure your site is this planting option particularly managed until canopy closure limits ready to plant when spring weather appealing. However, containerized light, so planning vegetation control is favorable. Plan to complete all plants require much more care is important from day one. planting operations before early than other forms of plant material, or mid-May to capitalize on spring cost significantly more and require Most of us assume that larger trees rainfall before the summer heat. additional planning for transport. will make a forest sooner, but I have In essence, there is more risk with seen good evidence that well- Storage of dormant trees prior to larger, more sensitive and expensive established bare-root seedlings can planting is important to ensure plant material. On the positive side, nearly equal the growth of container viability of the plant material. Keep planting can be done during a larger plants over time in some settings. tree seedlings in cool location (<50°F) window of fall or spring assuming Simply put, larger plants are in more that is protected from sun and wind. natural rainfall is adequate. stress as we move them around, If storing seedlings longer than a so these plants can take longer to week, consider seeking refrigerated It is especially important to ensure become established at the site, storage space. When planting in the adequate care can be provided for whereas smaller planting stock can field, plan to protect seedlings from container plants prior to installation. overcome transplant stress sooner sun and wind until you are actually The nursery setting these plants and take off in the field. putting them in the ground. Tree came from certainly provided ample planting bags are available from a water and light for each species’ Containerized trees are best suited number of suppliers and offer a great unique requirements. Ensure that to smaller planting sites with good option for both saving your back and you have a secure storage location access so a UTV or trunk can haul protecting your trees. with accessible water as these plants around these larger plants. They can will need regular moisture if natural also be used to boost stocking in rainfall is not adequate. existing plantings that may have lost some trees or work wonderfully for Container plants also require special interplanting into forest openings. I concern when transporting. Always have seen some very effective post- handle this plant material by the harvest plantings that creatively use pot, do not pick up trees by the slash to “hide” container trees from stem. It is critical that the trunk be deer browse and other impacts. So, protected from damage during travel very targeted and smaller plantings to the field and within the field for are the best use of this type of plant planting. Keep plants in the pots material. until the moment they are planted, since exposing roots to sunlight and wind can dramatically reduce plant vigor. These requirements can create challenges in plant transportation, so it is critical to plan ahead and ensure © Thomas D. ‘Tom’ Landis, USDA that you have sufficient means to Forest Service, Bugwood.org safely deliver trees to their planting Figure 2: A bareroot seedling locations.

As an additional concern, container plants are typically installed in the field at much lower stocking, © Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org Figure 3: Containerized Trees 14 Extras History of Conservation in Illinois Installment #35 by Dave Gillespie, IFA Secretary Photos by Chris Evans

This account of the history of conservation in Illinois was written by Joseph P. Schavilje in 1941. This installment begins where installment # 34 ended.

In 1910, two young men from the Yale Forest School, Hall and Ingall, made report on the Woodlands of the State. This report, “Forest Conditions In Illinois” was published in 1911 by the State Natural History Survey in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service as the first forestry bulletin. This report assembled the forestry information along the basis of watersheds and its conclusion outlined a forest policy for the State. (Miller, 1927)

Little was accomplished in forestry for Illinois after Hall and Inhall’s report until 1919, when the Board of Natural Resources of the Natural History Survey, came into existence. The adviser in forestry was Dr. John M. Coulter of the University of Chicago, representing Botany and Forestry. This Board of the Natural Resources was able to secure funds for the salary and expenses of one forester. (Miller, 1927) Mr. H. B. Miller was appointed as forester for the Survey in July, 1919.

(To be continued in the next issue of “The IFA Newsletter”.)

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Find Illinois Forestry on Facebook:

Illinois Forestry Association Illinois Extension Forestry www.facebook.com/ILForestry www.facebook.com/IllinoisExtensionForestry Illinois Tree Farm www.facebook.com/IllinoisTreeFarm Illinois Walnut Council www.facebook.com/IllinoisWalnutCouncil

Walnuts & Acorns by Lee M. Rife

As I write this, it is still the middle At the same time, squirrels and short period of time. I certainly do of spring, the merry, merry months chipmunks have been all over the not want anyone on the property of May as someone once put it. It place, locating acorns that they that should not be there, not only is also the very cool, wet month of buried last fall and early winter. I for the liability, but because a May around here in Central Illinois. actually get a kick out of watching trespasser could damage crops that However, it appears that my trees them try to locate just where their our tenant has planted. As I recall, do not know it. They have budded, treasure was buried in the first place. IFA pushed for the purple paint law bloomed and sent thousands of However, I do not think much of their several years ago, and I am grateful seeds on my roof and into the using the post that borders the deck for it. gutters in spite of my having leaf to chew on so their little teeth don’t guards all around the house. In get too long. A part of being an elder addition, the winds has done an person is that I can yell and chase excellent job of pruning trees around the critters, and no one ever calls me here. Fortunately, I do not have many down for it. So much for suburban large limbs down, but the pines living. Life is good! have done a very good job of losing branches and even small clusters of Earlier this year, my Cousin Bryan needles throughout the back yard. spent a few days putting paint So far, this Spring I have sent 10 bags around the trees on our Union of three branches to the recycle and County farm. Frankly, I don’t know if another four large garbage cans that will keep trespassers out, but I full of limbs and shrub trimmings do know that outsiders getting onto to the same. I am talking about just your property can be a nuisance to a handful of trees here folks. I can say the least. In past years, we have just imagine what it would be like if I posted “NO TRESPASSING” signs, but lived on one or more acres! these seemed to disappear in just a

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Check Out the IFA Instagram Account! Get Connected Learn With Us Grow as Land Managers Find Us @ illinois.forestry.association

Purple Paint Sign Order Form

# of Signs ____ x $12 (Member Price) ______Name ______# of Signs ____ x $18 (Non-Members) ______Street Address ______Shipping & Handling ______City/State/Zip Code ______TOTAL ______E-Mail Address ______

Shipping: 1 sign - $8.00 | 2 signs - $9.00 | 3 signs - $9.00 | 4 signs - $10.00 | 5 signs - $11.00 Orders in excess of 5 signs must be shipped in two mailers

Mail Order Form to: (Check or Money Order made payable to Illinois Forestry Association) Stan Sipp Questions? Contact Director, Region 3 Stan by email at Signs are shipped via U.S. Postal Service P.O. Box 111 [email protected] Mansfield, IL 61854 Invoice will be included with signs

17 Spring Wildflower Identification

Photos by Chris Evans

Bloodroot Shooting Star False Rue Anemone (Sangrinaria canadensis) (Dodecatheon meadia) (Enemion biternatum)

Goldenseal Jack-in-the-Pulpit Wild Hyacinth (Hydrastis canadensis) (Arisaema triphyllum) (Camassia Scilloides)

Wild Ginger Common Blue Violet Squirrel Corn (Asarum canadense) (Viola sororia) (Dicentra canadensis)

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