Forest Health

Japanese stiltgrass has successful invasive has colonized a variety of habitats throughout the eastern half of the United States, including every county in Maryland, and reaching as far west as Texas.

The Woodland Health Assessment consists of a checklist and a series of management actions. Property owners can use them to identify potential areas for management, based on their particular objectives.

As summer yields to fall, deciduous trees throughout the mid-Atlantic states lose their leaves in an often-spectacular display of color. However, not all hardwood trees participate in this pageantry, and decide to hang onto their leaves until spring. This is called "marcescence." Why it occurs is another question.

As I am about to retire after 32 years as a University of Maryland extension forester, I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts with you, the readers of Branching Out, and others who have benefited from the Woodland Stewardship Education program.

Read the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight," the "Invasives in Your Woodland," the MD-DE Logger of the Year, and take the Brain Tickler challenge.

Read our "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," and take the Brain Tickler challenge. There's also an introduction to two new members of the Woodland Stewardship Education program team, and an announcement about the fall 2018 Maryland Woodland Stewards workshop.

"The Woods in Your Backyard" program has assisted thousands of property owners across the region learn how to get more from their natural areas.

News and Notes items for the Winter 2021 issue of Branching Out

The use of new mobile apps make exploring your woods fun and educational. HealthyWoods, a collaborative effort between forest specialists from Kentucky and other hardwood-producing states in the Appalachian region, including Maryland, provides woodland owners with a convenient tool to scout the health of their woods.

Registration is now open for two online courses offered by University of Maryland Extension's Woodland Stewardship Education program! Also, learn about that returning pest, the gypsy moth, and how you can use handheld GPS in your woodlands. Our regular features include the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight," "Invasives in Your Woodland," plus the events calendar, the Brain Tickler challenge, and the News and Notes section.