Green Horizons

National Tree Farmer Convention
Oct. 11-14, 2007
Madison, Wis.

Hosted by the American Tree Farm System, the 14th 2007 National Tree Farmer Convention is themed: "Great lakes. Great forests." The convention will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

Registration: Visit the American Tree Farm web site at www.treefarmsystem.org for updated conference information, or call: (202) 463-2462.

Lodging: Conference rates have been secured at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. Call (866) 403-8838 to make a reservation (be sure to mention the National Tree Farmer Convention) or make lodging reservations online: www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/msnmhhf_tree/index.jhtml (This is a direct link to the conference lodging reservation site.)

Ozark Chinquapin Field Tour:
May 22, 2007

9:30 - 12 noon
Family Life Center
200 E. 5th Street
Cassville, Mo.

Learn how you can help the efforts to rescue Ozark Chinquapin, Missouri's only native chestnut tree. Field tour meets at 9:30 at the Family Life Center, 200 E. 5th Street, Cassville, Mo.

The day includes a presentation by Paul Sisco, American Chestnut Foundation science coordinator, followed by a field tour to a local ozark chinquapin research site. Male flowers will be in bloom.

To register, contact Skip Mourglia, Southwest Missouri RC & D, (417) 732-6485; or email skip.mourglia@mo.usda.gov.

Sponsored by the American Chestnut Foundation and USDA NRCS Southwest Missouri RC & D.

Resources for Storm-Damaged Trees

Since we ran our article on dealing with weather-damaged trees last summer, Missouri forestland and homeowners alike have seen more than their fair share of Mother Nature's bad side. From the St. Louis wind and ice storms, to southwest Missouri's crippling ice storm, many landscape trees and high-value hardwood plantations have been affected. In response, Forestry Extension has published MU Guide G6867, "First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees."

The guide contains quick tips for helping assess the damage and determine the best way to treat it. In addition, it illustrates the correct way to prune a damaged branch and implores everyone NOT to top their trees. But, above all, the guide reminds you to be patient, be safe, and don't fall victim to a scam.

Helpful, related publications are:

• MU Guide Sheets G1958, "Felling, Bucking and Limbing Trees";
• G1959, "Basic Chain Saw Safety and Use";
• and G6866, "Pruning and Care of Shade Trees."
• The Missouri Department of Conservation has a pruning tip sheet, F00071, "Basic Pruning Guidelines."

The topped trees on the right in this Buffalo, Mo., neighborhood did not fair well in this winter's ice storm ,while the un-topped tree in the background will provide plenty of cool shade this summer. summer