• Smart Gardening to prevent oak wilt

    Published on August 9, 2019
    Smart Gardening tip sheet on how to recognize, prevent and control oak wilt.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 8: Crowns, Trunks and Roots

    Published on June 26, 2019
    Much of what makes a tree is the basic structure and form. The crown (leaves) does the photosynthesis. The trunk provides advantageous height to the crown and transports food and fluids. The roots provide stability and absorb water and nutrients.

  • BeLeaf It or Not! 6: Photosynthesis and Respiration in Trees!

    Published on June 26, 2019
    Trees employ both photosynthesis AND respiration, although some people associate respiration only with animals. Photosynthesis is a chemical process that stores energy (as glucose) and captures carbon & oxygen for tissue construction.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 9: Jack Pine - Ugly but interesting

    Published on June 26, 2019
    Jack pine trees and jack pine forest types are common on the poorer sandy soils of the Lake States. Few other trees and forests can successfully occupy these sites.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 7: The Carbon Cycle and the Forest!

    Published on June 26, 2019
    Forests play a big role in Earth’s carbon cycle. Most of life consists of carbon-based molecules. Understanding the role of trees and forests contributes to a better understanding of climate change.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 10: How do trees regenerate?

    Published on June 26, 2019
    This is another one that may surprise you! It's NOT just about seeds. Trees reproduce through several methods under a variety of optimal environmental conditions. Different tree species have different regeneration requirements.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 1: How does a tree grow? Hint: it's not what you think!

    Published on June 24, 2019
    How do trees grow? The answer may surprise you. Photosynthesis and respiration produce wood, and all the other parts of a tree. Twigs and roots elongate from growth tissue at the tips, and grow wider from growth tissue under the bark.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 4: Logging Products

    Published on June 24, 2019
    The thousands of different renewable forest products all begin with standing trees in the forest. Loggers manufacture a set of raw products from those standing trees, which they purchase from forest owners.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 5: How to identify trees - Part 1 of 2

    Published on June 24, 2019
    Tree identification is a popular hobby and one of the first steps in better understanding our forests. Part 1 of "How to Identify Trees" focuses on various identification characteristics, such as bark, buds, fruits, and leaves.

  • BeLEAF It or Not! 2: Exploring Vernal Pools

    Published on June 24, 2019
    Vernal pools are more than just puddles. They’re a healthy part of many forest communities in Michigan.