See The Forest and The Trees
There is an old saying, “You can’t see the forest from the trees.” The saying really has nothing to do with trees but trees are an essential part of life here on Earth. Not just large forests, which we don’t see in west Texas, but urban forests too. Urban forests make up a significant amount of America’s tree canopy. In fact, over 130 million acres of America’s forests are located in cities and towns, and these trees provide essential benefits for humans and improved habitats for urban wildlife.
Urban forestry is defined as the planting, maintenance, care and protection of tree populations in urban or city settings. The role of trees is an essential function of city planning and urban infrastructure. Planned connections of green spaces encompass not only parks and gardens, but also landscaped boulevards like our Main Street in Big Spring, river and coastal promenades, greenways and even simple street-side tree boxes. All of this requires strategic planning and a skilled workforce. However, one of the most important parts of urban forestry are the trees planted by the individuals who live in the city but don’t work for the city government, namely you!
Trees are a vital part of our ecological system. Movements to save the rain forests are an important worthwhile cause to save the planet but the trees and bushes in our own backyard and city spaces are also important. Trees provide sanctuary for many creatures large and small. They are part of nature’s cleansing of the air providing oxygen while transferring carbon dioxide into nutrients for the plant and soil. In the city they provide shade and increase good mental health for residents. Agricultural landowners, as well as city dwellers, plant a line of trees called windbreak trees to help prevent soil erosion, provide shade from the sun and help prevent water run-off. Windbreak trees come in a variety of species from evergreen trees such as Afghanistan, Austrian, Italian Stone and Pinyon Pine trees along with the Oriental Arborvitae tree to hardwood trees such as Pecan, Catalpa, Texas Redbud, Bur Oak, Chinkapin Oak and Shumard Oak. Howard Soil and Water Conservation District (Howard SWCD) provides the opportunity for local landowners to purchase seedlings each fall and winter to be planted in March. These seedlings are adapted for this area of the state being drought tolerant and beneficial to local wildlife. Sold in sets of twentyfive seedlings the important thing is to give the young plants a chance in life. Plant and provide sufficient water and protection from wildlife such as deer. Some owners have planted the seedling in five-gallon buckets for the first year to give the roots a chance to thrive in our soil. If twenty -five seedlings are too many, you might make a deal with a friend or two to share the number. More information on the Howard SWCD Windbreak Tree program can be obtained by calling our office at 432-267-1871 Ext. 3.
As noted earlier, all trees are important not just a line of windbreak trees. Each individual tree makes its own contribution to society. Creatures live in trees and mankind use trees to create homes and other items such as furniture from their wood. Shade from trees help to cool and wood is burned for heat. Fruit and nuts provide food and insects such as bees nest in trees providing us honey and pollinating other plants. Trees provide oxygen while using carbon dioxide, increase soil fertility, help clean water by cutting down nutrient and soil runoff, and reduce needs for toxic chemicals. Each year the Howard SWCD sponsors a poster contest dealing with conservation programs. This year’s theme is “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities”. The Poster Contest is open to all students ages 12 and under who are UIL eligible. Any media may be used to create a flat hand drawn poster that does not smear, crack or chip. Crayons or colored pencils or markers are preferred media. All works must be original and created by an individual student not a group. It is encouraged that the student completes the poster by her/himself as entries completed in their own handwriting and coloring usually score better. The words “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities” must be on the poster. It is best if these are the only words or limit words beyond this title. No stick on or glued letters are to be used. A completed entry form should be filled, signed and attached to the back of the poster and please do not sign the front of the poster (print name on back). Poster size must be 22” by 14” (1/2 size of standard poster board). If supplies are needed for the classroom, please contact the HSWCD office at 432-2671871 ext. 3 and we will see what we can do to help. We look forward to some exciting student entries.