Forest Management

In this issue: Read about the resilience of woodlands and why they need early successional habitat. Plus, registration for the fall session of our "The Woods in Your Backyard" course is now open. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Eastern Hemlock, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at creeping Jenny. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Early successional habitat, which is characterized by open canopy conditions and mixtures of young trees, shrubs, and grasses, plays a critical role in many wildlife species’ life cycles, but accounts for only a fraction of the total terrestrial habitat across Maryland and has declined as forests mature. Consider creating these habitats in your next planting project.

In this issue: Learn about the practice called "treewashing." Read about how AI is helping scientists track the growth of ghost forests and about the science behind DC's iconic cherry blossoms. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the American Basswood, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Bee-bee Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

While cherry blossoms are seen as a natural symbol of spring in the wider Washington, D.C. area, their consistent beauty is actually the result of careful scientific management and human intervention.

In this issue: Read about the benefits of using phenology in your woodlands, and how you can join us for our online course, "The Woods in Your Backyard." Learn about a new group seeking to expand the knowledge and practice of prescribed fire in Maryland. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Common Hackberry, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Japanese Angelica Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Nicole Zimmerman has joined University of Maryland Extension as a Woodland Stewardship Educator & Logger Education Coordinator with statewide duties.

New from MassWoods at the University of Massachusetts Amherst: "Reforestation Guide: Tree Planting to Enrich, Restore, and Adapt Northern Forests"

In this issue: Read about the transitions in woodlands from autumn to winter, and the benefits of leaving leaves where they fall. There's also news about a new milestone for the Healthy Forests Healthy Waters program. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Dwarf Chinquapin Oak, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Goldenrain Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Chosen tree management, previously known as "crop tree management," is a proactive method for encouraging selected trees in your woodland.

Entries in the Natural Area Management Services Directory are listed alphabetically.