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A Brief History of the American Wetland Forests

2022-08-23T08:00:33+00:00

In 1764, 25 years before he would become the first President of the United States, George Washington and five partners formed a company called Adventurers for Draining the Dismal Swamp. A surveyor by trade, Washington had thoroughly explored the perimeter of a million-acre wetland forest on what is now land bordering the states of Virginia and North Carolina. He called this area the Great Dismal Swamp and described it as a “glorious paradise” full of creatures to be hunted. A paradise rich with natural resources. Still, the Adventurers for Draining the Dismal Swamp, empowered by the General Assembly of Virginia, who granted them financing and permission to cut canals through even private lands, undertook a massive venture to clear cut vast stretches, selling the lumber and the promise of soon-to-be dry, arable land.

George Washington and his company were, of course, not the only ones harvesting the lumber from American wetlands. In the last 300 years, the majority of wetlands in the contiguous United States have been lost to logging or converted to land for agriculture or urban development. When European colonizers first arrived in the 1600s, the land was covered in approximately 221 million acres of wetlands - by the 1980s, only 103 million acres remained. Twenty-two states have lost 50% or more of their wetland forests and six states have lost more than 85%.

Through the 1700s especially, wetlands and swamps in particular were considered blights on what could be prosperous land. They “bred disease”, restricted travel, and took up rich soil where crops could be instead - far from favorable for frontier folk. The choice to clear the wetlands seemed natural, because these new settlers were oblivious to the resources that prospered in them and the protection they provided.

In the mid-1800s, the US government passed the Swamp Land Acts of 1849, 1850, and 1860 – each turning federal land containing swamps over to states that promised to drain them. During this time, the US was going through a period of rapid expansion. The population was growing quickly, both through domestic childbirth and immigration. While the country was also expanding westward, the need for farmable land nearby was high. So, again, the choice to clear more wetlands seemed natural.

Over the centuries, the American wetlands - refashioned to suit its new settlers - have changed drastically. While clearing the wetlands made sense at the time, we’ve come to learn that wetlands are invaluable resources and the long-term effects of this habitat loss has become clear.

Wetlands are an essential part of regional ecosystems – in which we’re included. We need wetlands to sustain our water supply, both because they work to filter pollutants and because they’re a source of water. They also work to protect our communities from severe weather, like hurricanes and flooding, by dampening the force with which they hit the land and by preventing land corrosion. Additionally, wetlands sequester approximately 20-30% of global carbon emissions - peatlands on their own store twice as much carbon as the world’s forests despite covering only 3% of the planet’s surface. These areas are also home to unique wildlife and fascinating plants; one-third of the currently-listed endangered species rely on wetlands to survive.

As the second driest state in the country, it’s no surprise that wetlands account for only 1% of Utah’s total land coverage. Because they’re so rare within our state, that makes them even more valuable. In an arid landscape, we need all the water we can get and our wetlands provide a hefty portion of our water supply. They’re also essential tools in preventing flooding, the costliest and most prevalent hazard in Utah. Although Utah’s wetlands are still in danger, we thankfully have many individuals in our community working to preserve and restore these valuable features of our state. Nonprofit communities (like the Sageland Collaborative and TreeUtah) along with governmental organizations (like the Utah Geological Survey) and numerous individuals throughout the state are working hard to maintain our wetlands.

To get involved with TreeUtah’s habitat restoration projects, check our events page or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our latest projects.

Creating Tiny Forests Using the Miyawaki Method

2022-08-16T09:15:00+00:00

The World Needs Forests

Forests are important. They are home to 80% of the globe’s wildlife population, they reduce soil erosion, lessen the impact of floods, and they remove incredible amounts of carbon-dioxide from our atmosphere, ensuring we have breathable air. The tropical forests alone store around 250 billion tons of carbon. Without forests cleaning our air, life on Earth couldn’t continue – at least not for us – but we continue to lose our forests at a concerning rate. Between 1990 and 2015, we lost 129 million hectares of forest (nearly 500,000 square miles). While deforestation has slowed, we are far from reaching a balanced, sustainable relationship with our forests. Our forests – and us in turn – will only survive if we deploy all available means to reduce deforestation and support new growth.

Afforestation – planting forests upon land previously unforested – can be a massive undertaking, but it’s one of the few things communities can do to soften the blow of global deforestation. Thanks to the late Akira Miyawaki, Japanese botanist and specialist in natural vegetation restoration, a method for afforestation has been developed that allows for small-scale, rapid forestation. This method is now commonly known as the Miyawaki Method.

The Miyawaki Method

The Miyawaki Method was developed to support the rapid growth of diverse native plant species in relatively small spaces with minimal maintenance. The method only requires a minimum space of 1000 square feet, grows ten times faster than naturally-growing forests, and the planted forest can survive nearly maintenance-free after only three years of growth. The rapid growth of Miyawaki forests is attributed to the densely-packed planting and the use of native plant species. Native species are, of course, going to be the best candidates to thrive in the selected planting location, because they’ve evolved over the course of centuries to do just that. A biodiverse selection of plants also lends itself to the long-term stability of the forest – diversity creates a layered canopy and ecological resilience. Then, being packed closely together, they’re forced into a highly competitive race to soak up the sunlight, resulting in rapid growth. After 20-30 years, the surviving plants and trees will reach heights that would have taken 150-200 years to reach in a natural process.

The resulting tiny forest is also densely-packed with benefits. In addition to supporting local biodiversity and the benefits that always come with new trees, Miyawaki forests are also 30 times better at dust and noise reduction and absorb up to 30 times more carbon-dioxide than monoculture planting projects.

Because the Miyawaki method can be applied in areas with limited land and resources while still resulting in a flourishing forest, it’s perfect for urban settings. A small parcel of land, whether it’s an empty lot or a small portion of a public park, can easily be turned into an urban forest. Urban forests are essential in mitigating the effects of climate change – both locally and globally. Our efforts on the local-scale to rehabilitate and create new forests is an important contribution to the global concerted effort to ensure a livable planet for future generations. With critical deadlines for meaningful climate action approaching quickly, we need to act quickly. Thanks to Akira Miyawaki, we have one more tool at our disposal to make swift, meaningful change.

Does Utah Have Native Fir Trees?

2020-07-08T19:16:38+00:00

On a recent rafting trip the guide said a good river trip is one full of interesting facts he can relate to guests, so his interest was peaked with a TreeUtah staff member on board. While TreeUtah does have a knowledgeable arborist on staff, that days staff member was not it, but luckily still had few great tree facts that would interest any river explorer. The question was posed as to what alpine trees were dotting the canyon we were gliding through between rapids, this is where a little Utah tree knowledge came into play!

You may be surprised to learn that Utah is home to only two true native firs, Subalpine and White Firs. Subalpine fir is native in high elevations and likes cool, moist sites. The blue green needles have distinct balsam scent. Try rubbing the needles between your fingers and take that fragrant scent in! Look for narrow cones, crowns in dark purple. This species is under threat from a tiny insect that is killing them off in a short period in as little as two years. Research is being done on this on why and how to protect firs.

White firs are sometimes confused with Blue Spruce due to the blue-green color and is also known as Concolor Fir (all one color). White fir live up to 300 years. These trees are also popular Christmas Trees and can be found in many mountain ranges including California, Oregon, Wyoming and of course Utah. White fir have a special trait to maintain lower limbs which are good for climbing and make a good escape route for all sorts of wildlife.

Spruce-fir is the fourth most common coniferous forest type in Utah. The majority of spruce found in Utah is Engelmann spruce and Blue spruce, valued as good timber.

The next time you are out Utah's canyons take some time observe the trees around you. Are they native? What role or function does the tree play? Do the trees look healthy and natural? What animals might use the tree and how? How many varieties are there?

The more we stop to look around, learn about and become aware of our surrounding nature the more we can do to protect what we see and teach others to do the same.

Ecological Restoration - TreeUtah at Work

2021-02-03T02:54:47+00:00

TreeUtah is committed to restoring and preserving healthy ecosystems along Utah’s urbanized Wasatch Front. For over 30 years TreeUtah has organized plantings of thousands of native trees and shrubs along the Jordan River corridor and Wasatch Mountain Canyons. Maintaining the ecological health of our waterways and open spaces is critical for sustaining wildlife habitat, as well as ensuring clean water, clean air, and the overall health of Salt Lake Valley residents. In addition, our restoration work builds civic involvement and a sense of community.

Restoration is the act of repairing or renewing something. The Jordan River Parkway Trail is the most popular recreation trail in Salt Lake County. The Jordan River waterway stretches over 50 miles, from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. The trail and river are used throughout the year by over 100,000 community members for various outdoor activities. The native birds and wildlife are an integral part of the beauty of this critical area. TreeUtah is planting native trees at different sites along the Jordan River corridor. Native trees are important habitat for the wildlife and will ensure these animals can continue to thrive here.

The canyons of the Wasatch Mountains are the main source of water and recreation for hundreds of thousands of people in Salt Lake County. They are also a critical habitat on the edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert for many species of wildlife. The ecosystems of this vital mountain range are under pressure from the expanding population of the Wasatch Front. TreeUtah is working with local ski areas to ensure these ecosystems can sustain life for generations to come. By planting thousands of native trees at ski areas, we are helping to preserve the recreation opportunities, the wildlife habitat, and the pristine water quality. Conservation and reforestation efforts started in Little Cottonwood Canyon in 1933. The Alta Environmental Center carries on that tradition today. Harvesting seed from the ski area for revegetation and restoration efforts takes work but generally results in more successful plant and tree growth since the seed came from Alta. And, Brighton Ski Resort commits to the development and implementation of a sustainability program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Planting young native trees will also limit the impact invasive species can have on this critical habitat area. Seeds for plants and trees are harvested at the end of every summer.

For the Love of Trees

2021-02-10T02:20:05+00:00

It’s time to start thinking about a thoughtful and meaningful Valentine’s gift...so why not express how much you care by showing love for the environment at the same time. In place of chocolates or jewelry, try planting or purchasing a tree in someone's honor. One way that people can demonstrate their love for others is to plant a tree because the earth is in need of more green spaces, especially in urban areas. This is a gesture that will be remembered for generations to come, especially for people who understand the value of trees, and after all what is a stroll with your "Sweetheart" without a lane of tree cover above?

TreeUtah and the Sugar House Park Authority are pleased to present the Commemorative and Memorial Tree Program at Sugar House Park. This program offers people the opportunity to honor friends and loved ones through the planting of a tree in Sugar House Park, adding to the beauty of Salt Lake City’s greatest landmarks. Requests for particular tree varieties will be considered; however, Sugar House Park Authority has final approval. Conifers or a Broadleaf/Deciduous will be planted. Plantings will occur during the spring (April 1st — June 30th) or fall (September 1st — November 30th). Small ceremonies may be arranged by the donor and groups are encouraged to participate in the physical planting itself. Information will be provided once a donor has made a commitment to planting a tree at Sugar House Park.

All gifts are processed through TreeUtah, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Individuals or groups wishing to have a commemorative or memorial tree planted at Sugar House Park should contact TreeUtah’s Planting Coordinator, Ian by email at planting@treeutah.org.

Trees provide the very necessities we rely upon. They clean our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy, loving communities to nurture the soul.

Golden Larch Magic

2020-10-20T01:45:15+00:00

As you take your fall season drive looking for the brilliant changing colors in Utah's mountains the sight of the western larch (Larix occidentalis) and subalpine larch (Larix lyallii) are some of the most unique and bright trees you'll encounter and they have no leaves! Larch trees are conifers that are deciduous. That means that they have needles like an evergreen tree, but those needles turn bright gold and drop every fall just like a deciduous tree.

Mid-October in Utah is the best time of year to see the larches in their full color. The bright glow of the golden larch is the season’s last light as fall color fades to snowy white and the long lull of winter envelops the park. The larch is a secret magician, quietly blending in with the evergreens. But wait a few months into fall and the larch commands the landscape stage, its golden glow blazing then needles drop and leaving branches twig bare. Very desirable tree with beautiful bark and spectacular color changes in fall.

A little history research produced a fascinating find on the Western Larch in Utah, an excerpt from the U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest:

"In 1907, The Salt Lake Herald reported that seeds of Western Larch were sown at the Wasatch Nursery. In 1912, the Herald reported that the Wasatch National Forest received a 2-ounce package of “high toned and aristocratic” Siberian larch seeds from the estate of Count Max von Sivers of Roemershof, Russia to be planted at the nursery. In 1913, the Herald reported that Count von Siver’s European larch seeds had sprouted, were to be planted that summer, and were the first larch trees in Utah. The Forest Service has not verified which larch species have taken root in Big Cottonwood Canyon as the agency was also collecting western larch seeds during this period.

In addition to the two small stands planted at Spruces Campground, a few more larch trees planted by the nursery workers have been spotted in Big Cottonwood Canyon. When the golden aspen leaves have fallen in Big Cottonwood Canyon, two stands of yellow/orange larch trees become prominent in late October on the north-facing slope adjacent to Spruces Campground. Spruces Campground was the former site of the Wasatch Nursery, which operated from 1906-1920 to grow seedlings to be planted on the newly created Salt Lake Forest Reserve in an effort to reforest the city watershed which had been impacted by logging, grazing, and mining. The nursery was charged with conducting “urgent forestry experiments” to determine which tree species could grow in the canyons. These larch stands are a remnant of the Wasatch Nursery, having survived over 100 years. Larch are one of the few conifer species that shed their needles in late autumn. These are the only known larch on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest."

To review; several species of larch are native to the northern U.S. but others were introduced from Europe. Larches are large and tall trees that reach 50-80 feet. This evergreen has deciduous needles that are up to 1 1/4 inch long. Larch needles are light green in color most of the year which then turn yellow in autumn before shedding. Cones are up to 1 1/2 inches long, egg-shaped and stalkless. Fun historical fact, Native Americans once tied the slender roots of Larch trees together to use as strips of bark for their canoes. More information on Utah conifers can be found here.

We hope you enjoy this fall season driving, hiking and wandering adventures, and don't forget to look for the bright colors of the conifers too!

Incredible Edible Trees

2020-07-22T02:18:04+00:00

When you are out in a forest or wooded area you may notice and appreciate the abundant life a tree may give to other living things all around it. You see various creatures collecting and harvesting useful bits that will sustain it through the seasons. But, what might not be as obvious is that you, the passing human in this woodland can also find sustenance from a tree! Aside from obvious tasty fruits, sap and nuts a tree can produce, there are some less obvious edible food sources that can be found in the bark, twigs, roots and leaves. Ecology instructor and author, Jesse Vernon Trail, has written on what to look for in forest foraging, let's explore those together.

A pine tree can provide valuable nutrition, like vitamin C, in its inner bark and a birch tree produces edible syrup, a tasty inner bark as well as young twigs for human consumption. Let's explore a few more trees that you can eat! The American Beech brings to mind a great towering shade tree, the small nuts can be eaten and the leaves in Spring can be cooked. Several trees such as the Beech and Birch, have an inner bark that can be eaten, the best method for inner bark is often a method of drying the grinding it down into a flour for baking. While it possible to create bark flour it is still a "survival food" meaning it takes great effort and offers limited yield, however, it is exciting to think that there is food around us if we need it. In fact native people and pioneers used these methods to survive. Outer Birch bark can also be eaten raw or cooked and added to many dishes either way, its sap is also usable.

If you come across a Linden tree in bloom you might use the flowers to make a tea and the young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a green dish. Poplar trees and Quaking Aspens can provide edible inner bark raw or cooked and ground into flour for baking. In the mood for spaghetti? Try the long inner bark strips of a Willow tree, it may not taste as good as your usual pasta plate but it will keep you alive!

Be safe when recreating and exploring nature, take time to learn and identify what surrounds you, there is always more than meets the eye. Consider taking a nature course in edible trees and plants. You can learn more about all sorts of edible trees here too!

Summer Road Trip "Tree Cities"

2020-07-29T14:40:14+00:00

Most summers, but especially this 2020 summer, you may have had to alter your travel plans to accommodate Covid19 restrictions. Instead of a flight out of town you might be hitting the road to get out exploring, and to make those long road trips more interesting you might be taking those more scenic routes. Often there are interesting and historic places to visit along the way and as you enter a new city and you may have noticed a green and white plaque which reads "Tree Cities USA" wondering what that means. Turns out, there is quite a bit of work and effort to get that little sign and it means a great deal for our planet.

The Arbor Day Foundation, Tree City USA program has been building tree canopy in cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to successfully manage and expand trees in public spaces. But, there are a set of criteria each city has to meet.

To qualify as a Tree City USA community, you must meet four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. These standards were established to ensure that every community would have a viable tree management program and that no community would be excluded due to size.

Someone must be legally responsible for the care of all trees on city- or town-owned property. Often, both professional staff and an advisory tree board are established, which is a good goal.
A public tree care ordinance forms the foundation of a city’s tree care program. It provides an opportunity to set good policy and back it with the force of law when necessary.
Providing support at or above $2 per capita, a community demonstrates its commitment to grow and tend these valuable public assets.
An effective program for community trees would not be complete without an annual Arbor Day ceremony. Citizens join together to celebrate the benefits of community trees and the work accomplished to plant and maintain them.

As you can see it take some great planning and commitment to obtain this special recognition. A group of dedicated planners and tree lovers took time to make trees a priority in their city for all to enjoy!

Here in Utah over 50 cities have established themselves as Tree Cities. Springville and Murray have been registered for 40 years! Brigham City, Provo and Salt Lake City for over 30 years. Even Hill Air Force Base has a designation nearing 30 years. You can find a complete list by state here: https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/treecities.cfm?chosenstate=Utah

The benefits of a larger tree canopy for cities is undeniable, studies show:

Trees yield 3–5 times their cost in overall benefits to the city.

As few as three additional trees planted around each building in the United States saves $2 billion every year in energy costs.

Properly placed trees often increase property values from 7–20%.

Trees and green spaces directly correlate to greater connections to neighbors, happier, healthier and safer areas us now and into future generations.

Next time you hit the road challenge yourself and your passengers to spot those "Tree City USA" signs and take a moment to reflect on the trees in the area, knowing someone took some time to make sure trees will be protected for everyone to enjoy and make your road trips all that more enjoyable when you get out to stretch those legs and breathe in some cool air in the shade or picnic.

Tree City USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program in cooperation with these great tree protectors:

https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/about.cfm

https://www.fs.usda.gov/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf

https://www.stateforesters.org/

Trees In Winter

2020-12-15T01:50:29+00:00

The sight of snow and frost on trees in winter looks picture perfect outdoors and sometimes you can hear the sharp crack of trunks adjusting or the plunk of heavy snow descending from branches. We notice the beauty and sight but how do trees survive all the seasonal changes, especially in winter?

Trees first slow down their cellular growth, focusing their energies on survival through the sometimes long winter. Trees go through a process like hibernation called dormancy, this dormancy keeps them alive during the cold temperatures, everything within the tree slows down; metabolism, energy consumption, growth and more. Trees do not die during the winter; they just take a break. Since there is less sunlight in the winter and the tree can't produce as much food, trees must conserve their energy for future seasons. While trees are dormant on the surface, above ground, the underground tree system made up of roots is busy at work growing, searching, and retaining nutrients to help get the tree through the winter to have enough resources available into its next active season.

Impeded growth messages in the tree, which saves a lot of energy to stall or impede growth during the winter, during this time the tree isn't making any new food for energy. The tree will also begin to change how it deals with water within its tissues, while the water in the cells may get below freezing, it can’t form crystals so trees rarely freeze over and die. Trees transform starch into sugars that act as a sort of antifreeze.

Deciduous trees shed their leaves because of snow, as well as cold, and to halt all growth. For evergreens, like pine and spruce, leaves have evolved into long thin needles. These needles are covered in a waxy substance which helps reduce moisture loss and damage from colder temperatures. Evergreen needles and even the bark of some trees, such as the poplar tree, can still make food through photosynthesis, even when temperatures are below freezing. Many evergreens have branches that are flexible enough to bend under the weight of heavy snow, this prevents branches from breaking and damaging this trunk. Flexible branches that bend downwards can also shed snow, unfortunately sometimes right on top of our heads!

Trees are incredibly adaptable and capable when it comes to surviving winter weather. Making sure your trees receive proper water and fertilization during the spring, summer and fall can ensure they’re ready to face the winter. Proper mulching can also protect roots during freezing weather. Many people plant trees in the fall. The roots won’t have much time to establish before winter. Several inches of appropriate mulch for the species of tree can help. So can installing guards or braces to keep the tree upright until spring.

Trees in winter are incredible, they can adapt to freezing temperatures and provide us with warmth and safety!

Trees Mighty Eco Avalanche Buffers

2021-02-25T19:02:39+00:00

Trees that stick up through the snowpack can help to hold the snowpack in place, slowing or stopping an avalanche. A thick, mature grove of evergreen trees can anchor a slab effectively!

Trees protect communities along the Wasatch against landslides and avalanches. Forests are an affordable and ecologically friendly means of protection. Both standing and fallen trees stabilize the snowpack and prevent avalanches and can reduce the size of the snow slab that is released. In the forest, snow falls from the trees, and the canopy supports the energy balance of changing snow layers. Because the forest snowpack is subject to often unseen inconsistencies weak layers can form and can avalanche naturally or when disturbed. So a healthy and thriving surrounding forest is able to stem and buffer some avalanches. If the trees can withstand the tremendous rushing force of an avalanche, it loses energy and its progress towards the valley below.

More research and information is being gathered around the world, numerous forest avalanches have been examined, documented, and even simulated to find answers and solutions to mitigating avalanche damage. Tree anchors need to be thick enough to be effective. The more thickly spaced, the more effective. Sparse anchors, especially combined with a soft slab, have very little effect. Spruce and fir trees with branches frozen into the slab are a much more effective anchor than a tree with few low branches such as an aspen or lodgepole pine. Also, snow falling off of trees tends to stabilize the snowpack around trees.

And recently a skier caught in an avalanche that killed four people in Utah survived by clinging to a tree through the onslaught of rushing snow and later helped save two people. Winters have been especially deadly in the U.S., with avalanches coming amid increasing interest in backcountry runs as skiers try to avoid crowded resorts during the pandemic. In the US, avalanches kill 25-30 people and injure many more each winter. Some days are dangerous and some days are not … learning about avalanches will help you decide when, where, and how to visit the backcountry. Learn more about safety at: https://avalanche.org/avalanche-education/ or at https://utahavalanchecenter.org/