January 31, 2007

Largest Tree in Illinois

In the beauty pageant of trees, size is what matters most. Instead of evening gown, swimsuit and talent, the categories for consideration are circumference, total height and average crown spread. And the winner is.... a majestic sycamore tree on private property in Christian County that measures 31 feet around, 119 feet tall and has an average crown span of 134 feet. The first runner-up is a bald cypress tree in the Cache River State Natural Area in southern Illinois.

The base of this state champion sycamore tree (and largest tree in the state) is buried beneath 6-8 feet of sediment from floodwaters; Dick Little (left) and the late Ernie Williams (right) are essentially standing 6-8 feet above the base of the tree due to siltation from the adjacent river.

Statistics: 31 feet in circumference, 119 feet tall, 134 feet average crown spread, Christian County, IL. Nominated in the year 2000. Total Points = 525.

Sycamore, bald cypress, eastern cottonwood and some varieties of oak are the only serious contenders for the title of largest Illinois tree according to University of Illinois Extension forester Jay Hayek. Hayek developed an Illinois Extension Forestry website that manages the Illinois Big Tree Register. The site is located at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/.

"I probably average one or two requests per day on the 'Ask a Forester' feature on the site," said Hayek. "People want to know how much their black walnut tree is worth, what kind of tree to plant in their backyard, and I get a lot of questions from landowners who need help managing their forest land."

Although Illinois ranks fifth in demand for wood, it ranks 32nd in the nation for production of wood. Hayek said the irony is that even though Illinois currently has around 100 sawmills, the state exports more than 25 percent of its sawlogs and 80 percent of veneer logs to primary manufacturers outside state boundaries. "Some of the exported logs are sawn into lumber and veneers and then imported back again," he said. "Illinois needs more primary and secondary forest products manufacturing facilities – it's a shame our economy can't benefit more from Illinois timber."

Converting marginal floodplain farmland to early successional floodplain forests is another one of Hayek's missions. "When a farmer reports crop loss due to flooding for three to five consecutive years, I encourage them to think about tree planting through state and federal conservation programs such as the Forestry Development Act and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). It's a way for them to diversify the landscape and their portfolio - manage their land with natural buffers and make a reasonable return on their investment," said Hayek. In 2005, Illinois landowners received $20 million from selling timber, so there is money to be made.

"Illinois is famous for its corn and soybeans, but that same fertile agricultural soil is perfect for growing trees, too," said Hayek. "And, just about any tree planted in a good environment will grow rapidly."

The Illinois Extension Forestry website includes links to many government and educational sites about forestry. "Rather than reinventing the wheel, the site has links to the best sites for tree identification, forest management, selling timber, and other similar information," said Hayek. "This site provides the best education on forestry and unbiased information and links to a lot more."

Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:44 AM | Permalink |

January 31, 2007

Pubs Plus Website Enhanced

"Pubs Plus is a source for books, CDs, and other educational materials prepared by experts in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences," explained Molly Bentsen, U of I Extension communications specialist. "It is a continuation of something Extension has been doing for years--offering fact-based information to people who can put it to work in their own homes, businesses, classrooms, and lives."

Bentsen said that recent revisions to the website have improved its search mechanisms, making it easier for users to get to the information they need. Items can be purchased online through the use of a credit card. Once, such publications were only available for purchase through check or money order and the transactions came by mail, phone or FAX (purchasers can still use all those methods in addition to ordering online).

"The educational materials available cover a wide range of topics," Bentsen noted. "For instance, agricultural producers have access to a variety of publications and products to help them in their enterprises. There are materials helpful to commercial horticulturists and a web-based record-keeping program for students with FFA projects. Teachers can find agriscience kits and other instructional resources for their classes from kindergarten through high school."

Materials are grouped under the following areas: Agriculture; Classroom Materials; Dollars and Sense; Environment; Family Matters; Gardening; Healthy Living; and Leadership and Community.

"Spanish products are being added as soon as they become available," Bentsen noted. "New and seasonal items and special promotions will be updated regularly. Visitors can also choose to receive e-mail alerts about new publications in their areas of interest."

News writer: Bob Sampson

Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:34 AM | Permalink |

January 31, 2007

Cicadas in Illinois Website

Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:34 AM | Permalink |

January 31, 2007

New Apple Named 'Juliet' Resistant to Apple Scab

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but what keeps the doctor away from the apple? And when that apple is infected with apple scab, the prognosis is grim for the entire tree.

Enter Juliet! -- an apple that showed so much potential that a French company created a cartoon character and advertising campaign to market it in Europe.

Juliet is a late-season apple that carries the Vf gene that provides a high level of resistance to apple scab disease triggered by a fungal pathogen, Venturia inaequalis. Juliet has also shown resistance to powdery mildew and fire blight and reduced susceptibility to another fungal pathogen that causes cedar apple rust.

U of I plant geneticist Schuyler Korban collaborated with researchers at Purdue and Rutgers universities to develop Juliet. "Because the original seedling was selected here, U of I holds the licensing rights to the variety," said Korban.

Juliet is about 85 percent red with some green undercolor. It has less sugar than the Fuji but enough balance of sugar and acid to be considered full-flavored. It also stays on the tree for a longer time without dropping off and can be kept in cold storage for six to seven months.

But its resistance to apple scab is what makes it most attractive to growers. "Apple scab is a problem around the world, and unfortunately the conditions in Illinois are perfect for apple scab," said Korban. "Washington State has lower heat and humidity as in Illinois, but apple scab is still a problem worldwide."

Korban said that growers typically have to spray 12 to 15 times per growing season. They mix a cocktail of pesticides and insecticides that isn't always the same, but the fungicide(s) to prevent apple scab is in every application.

"The resistance to scab makes Juliet environmentally a better choice because it requires less chemical sprays than other apple trees," said Korban. "And it ripens two weeks after Red Delicious, making it more marketable as a late-season apple."

A nursery in France called Escande realized Juliet's potential and acquired the rights to grow and market the variety in Europe. They are hoping to find apple growers in the United States that would be willing to abide by their rules for growing this apple. Because Juliet is being marketed as an organic apple, it would need to be grown by certified organic growers.

The marketing firm created a cartoon character whose likeness appears on brochures, packaging and tiny apple stickers. "You can even become a 'friend of Juliet' on the website at www.pomme-juliet.com," said Korban.

Korban said that the fungus that causes apple scab is transmitted via infected leaves, even those left on the ground over the winter. The disease affects blossoms, leaves, and fruits, eventually killing the tree. The infected fruit can sometimes be used in processed products that include apples but the appearance renders it unsellable for the fresh market.

Juliet is the 15th apple cultivar developed by the cooperative breeding program between the University of Illinois, Purdue University, and Rutgers University.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:14 AM | Permalink |

January 28, 2007

Amazing Tree

This amazing tree picture were sent to the State Horticulture Team from Chris Doll, retired Horticulture Educator. The following is a note from Chris.

This tree was grown in Santa Cruz California, the year I don't know, but the man that grew them never told any one how he did it. In 1999 the owner of Nob Hill foods in Gilroy, California moved them to his park in Gilroy and they are doing well.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:57 AM | Permalink |

January 27, 2007

Yale University Going Green

At World Economic Forum, mere talk isn't enough. "We cannot wait for our governments to act," Yale President Richard Levin told delegates on Thursday. "Large organizations with the power to act independently should take matters into their own hands and begin to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions now."

Levin has made good on his own call, implementing a program that he hopes will make Yale the greenest university in the United States.

Part of that program is the Yale Sustainable Food Project. Yale students, faculty, and staff, President Richard Levin, and Alice Waters founded the Yale Sustainable Food Project in 2001. The Project seeks to nourish a culture in which the pleasures of growing, cooking, and sharing food are integral to each student's experience at Yale.

The Project was established with the understanding that many of the world's most important questions regarding health, culture, the environment, and the global economy are deeply connected to what we eat and how it is produced. Food cannot stand apart from agriculture, the environment, or the communities where it is grown. The Project's work underscores Yale's ability to advance local, national, and international dialogue on these global issues.

Source: Newsweek Magazine

Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:19 PM | Permalink |

January 25, 2007

Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News

Do you have an interest in growing vegetables? The Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter is targeted towards commercial growers, but offers a lot of good information for the home gardener.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 7:01 AM | Permalink |

January 25, 2007

Bugs: Building Urban Gardens Classes

Did you know that you can only enjoy BUGs: Building Urban Gardens-once a year?

Now some of you are probably wondering what we mean when we say "enjoy bugs". Of course, it could also be the last thing on your mind.

However, the kind of BUGs we're talking about is an organic gardening class offered by Openlands only in the spring and only at the Garfield Park Conservatory on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.-January 27-March 24.

And, for only $100.00 you can attend 8 Saturday morning classes led by experts in organic, creative and economical gardening techniques. At the end of the series you will have a sustainable garden plan for your real or imaginary garden and be prepared to volunteer in Chicago's Community Gardens. You will become a part of the celebrated network of Greeners in the City.

The first class is this Saturday, January 27,so you will have to hurry to secure your place at the table. You can email Julie Samuels at JSamuels@openlands.org or just return the registration form as soon as you can. If you have already taken this class, send this along to a friend who is looking for a warm place to spend 8 Saturday mornings this winter.

Hope you can join us.... it's fun, and you will be surprised how your world will "grow" when it has BUGs in it.

Julie Samuels

Community Outreach Coordinator

Openlands Project

25 E. Washington, Suite 1650

Chicago, IL 60602

312.863.6256

Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:54 AM | Permalink |

January 25, 2007

Earthboxes at the Crust Restaurant

We are moving forward with The Growing Connection (TGC)program. TGC uses the earthbox to connect students around the world through the growing of food. Currently, we are working with Chef's Michael Altenberg and Greg Kaminski. Michael and Greg are opening an organic based restaurant on the north side of Chicago.

With the help of students from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, we are growing twelve cool season crops using earthboxes in the Ag. School greenhouse.The boxes were planted on January 17 and 18 and already have many sprouts.The earthboxes will be on display at Crust in February. As part of the restaurant, a sunroom was added and the Chefs will continue to grow crops as they harvest them. Thank you Crust for helping us promote TGC. Grow and eat locally!

Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:41 AM | Permalink |

January 25, 2007

Worm Composting at North Kenwood/Oakland School

We are planning a "How to Build an Indoor Worm Bin" demonstration for the North Kenwood/Oakland pre-K to 5th grade school on February 6, 2007 at 10 a.m. The school is located at 46th and Woodlawn. We will be presenting to four classrooms. Students in each class will prepare the bedding for each worm bin. By the time we are finished each class will have it's own worm bin. Students will be responsible for the care and feeding of the worms.

As part of the Chicago Public Schools Job-Shadowing day, two Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences students will assist with the demonstrations.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:32 AM | Permalink |

January 25, 2007

Keller Regional Gifted Center Garden

Keller Regional Gifted Center is a school for elementary grade students, located right here in Mt. Greenwood. Elizabeth Bruhns and Nancy Kreith met with the principal and a devoted parent at the school on January 11, 2007. The school has developed a garden plan, which includes a hummingbird habitat; butterfly garden, small vegetable plot and outdoor classroom. The U of I Extension will be assisting the school with the design layout, grant writing and installation. We hope to fund and construct three raised beds for growing vegetables.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:03 AM | Permalink |

January 20, 2007

Chicagoans Can Earn U of I Horticulture Degree on their Own Turf

Like many college students, Matt Dingledein didn't follow a straight path academically to a career. "I started my undergraduate career as a music performance major at DePaul University," said. "Then I went on to complete an AAS in Ornamental Horticulture at the College of DuPage." After getting his associate's degree, Dingledein went into business for himself as owner and operator of a small landscape contracting business in Naperville.

Dingledein wanted to continue studying and work toward a bachelor's degree in horticulture, but moving or commuting to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was out of the question. "My being away would have made maintaining my client base very difficult and the investment required was also a large deciding factor," said Dingledein.

Dingledein is now taking horticulture classes in a new U of I degree program being offered in the Chicago area.

In fall 2006, the University of Illinois began partnering with Chicago area community and city colleges to offer a bachelors degree in horticulture. Students who have completed an associate degree such as Dingledein can complete their final two years of coursework taught by resident faculty in the Chicago area or faculty from campus and earn a bachelors degree from U of I at Urbana-Champaign -- without relocating.

Most of the courses are offered at the Multi-University Center in Oak Brook, Morton Arboretum in Lisle and the Chicago Botanical Garden. In the future, classes will meet at the University Center at Lake County and satellite locations in the collar counties such as Chicago's Center for Green Technology.

The program is particularly helpful to non-traditional students -- typically working professionals who are managing school, work and family. The University, community, and city colleges hope this will provide an opportunity for students to pursue their horticulture degree without "pulling up roots." The majority of courses are offered in the evening and weekends in order to accommodate student workday schedules. Some courses may be offered on-line or via video conferencing when appropriate. But, because the program results in a diploma from the U of I at Urbana-Champaign, the curriculum requirements and course quality will be the same as if the courses had been taken at the main campus.

"Jobs in the green industry are abundant," said Wesley M. Jarrell, head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences on the Urbana-Champaign campus. "A 2003 Green Industry survey conducted by NRES cites a $4.72 billion dollar industry employing over 15,000 people in Illinois, so it's important to the state."

The program will be directed by landscape architect Greg Pierceall, who has 30 years of experience with environmental education and landscape design. "I got an undergraduate degree in horticulture from SIU and a master's in landscape architecture from U of I, but I'm also a product of the junior college program, having started my education at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights -- so I've come full circle," said Pierceall. "He said that non-degree seeking students can also take courses in the program, purely for enrichment; if they are admitted to the degree program later, they can petition to count those courses.

For information, contact Piper Hodson (800-252-1360, ext 45761; nres@uiuc.edu) or visit www.nres.uiuc.edu.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:24 PM | Permalink |

January 19, 2007

Community Food Projects Grant

The request for applications (RFA) was released on January 12. Initial letters of intent are due by February 13 (by email). Based on a review of these letters, some applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, due by April 13.The procedures are detailed in the CFP Request for Applications, which is available at the grants.gov website as follows:
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12255&mode=VIEW .

The initial Letters of Intent (LOI) will be submitted by regular email, but those invited to submit a full proposal will need to go through a complicated electronic submission process. Because this process cantake up to two months or more and will soon be required for all federal grants, applicants not already registered are strongly encouraged to start the registration process as soon as possible at http://www.grants.gov.

More information and technical support contacts are available online
at: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm

The CFP Program supports projects that:

Help meet the food needs of low-income people

Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs

Promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues

Meet specific state, local, or neighborhood food and agriculture needs for infrastructure improvement and development, long-term planning, or the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers

Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:46 AM | Permalink |

January 18, 2007

Green Chicago Mini-Grants

Each year, in the early spring months, GreenNet administers the Green Chicago Mini-Grants program. The program, sponsored by the Prince Charitable Trusts assists urban gardeners working in publicly accessible green spaces with grants that fund gardening materials, supplies, and activities. The mini-grants are intended to fund a small project or a special part of a larger project, with awarded funds ranging from $100 to $1,000. Grant money is used to buy seeds, plants or soil, lumber or mulch, compost bins, buckets, nails, schoolbooks related to school gardening, even a garden festival for the community.

To qualify for a GreenNet Green Chicago Mini-Grant, the garden project must be in Chicago in a schoolyard or community garden, or other community greening project. The work and garden area should promote ecological issues, such as a pesticide or chemical-free food garden, plantings that showcase Illinois prairie or woodland plants for birds, butterflies, dragonflies, etc., a composting system that recycles waste and gives nutrients back to the soil, wooden structures free from dangerous chemical preservatives, or a garden that converts lawn to no-mow perennials, shrubs or trees. Applicants must also own or have permission to use the land, and must represent a group such as a block club, garden club, faith-based group, school or other youth group. Finally, funding priority is given to garden groups with an existing (rather than proposed) garden or greening project.

Mini-grants applications will be mailed out to Chicago school and community groups in mid-January with an application deadline of mid-March. Groups are notified of their grant status by early April and funds are distributed near the end of April. Access an application online. To find out more about Green Net's Green Chicago Mini-Grants Program, or to be included on the program mailing list, please call Sherry Legare at 312/863-6266, or e-mail slegare@openlands.org.

Thursday, March 1, 6:30 P.M. - Grant writing workshop; question and answer session

Thursday, March 15, 5:00 P.M. - Application Deadline

Week of April 9, 2007 - Grant notification letters sent out

Thursday, April 19 1-7 P.M. - Check pick up, downtown at Openlands Project, see address below.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:01 PM | Permalink |

January 18, 2007

2007 Green and Growing Fair

Who: Open to the public, sponsored by GreenNet

What: Green & Growing Fair

When: Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 10 a.m. – 4.p.m.

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory – 300 N. Central Park, Chicago, IL. 60624

University of Illinois Extension invites you to kick off the growing season with the 15^th Annual Green & Growing Fair! The fair, sponsored by GreenNet, Chicago's Urban Greening Network, will be April 28, 2007 at the Garfield Park Conservatory - 300 North Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Activities for adults and children will include planting a 'good fortune tree', participating in the Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt and good old-fashioned digging in the dirt.

A silent auction will feature garden tools and outdoor supplies, and vendors will offer unique handmade goods, the latest garden tools and supplies, and of course plants.

A variety of knowledgeable exhibitors, vendors, and urban gardening organizations will be on hand to present new and innovative gardening ideas and share the vast array of gardening resources in Chicago.

And for $5.00, gain a wealth of knowledge by attending lectures entitled Cool Season Crops and In With the New. These 45 minute lectures will teach you how to extend your growing season and discover new garden ideas and new plants available to the public.

On-going, hands on demonstrations include pruning techniques, indoor worm composting, general composting, water gardens, tree identification, container planting, EarthBoxes, solar ovens, and food preservation. And the Green Cafe will be open all day in the Jensen Room for you to take a load off and enjoy great healthy food and live music.

What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Garfield Park Conservatory with its Children's Garden, Demonstration Garden, and Conservatory is an amazing facility. This is an event you won't want to miss.

Admission and parking (in the adjacent lot) are free. The Conservatory is only 10 minutes from downtown and can easily be reached via the Green Line.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:04 AM | Permalink |

January 16, 2007

Beekeeping Class at Garfield Park

Come to this exciting and informative class teaching
the A B C's of beekeeping. This is the perfect class
for the beginning beekeeper; learn how to start your
own beehive. Michael Thompson, renowned local
beekeeper, will teach about the basic equipment and
attire for safely working with bees, honey bee
installation, hive maintenance and honey extraction.

Buzz on Beekeeping
Presenter: Michael Thompson of the Chicago Honey Coop
January 20, 2007 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Garfield Park Conservatory Community Room
Fee: $45 / $39 for GPCA volunteers and members
Lunch included in class fee.
Class limit is 20
Pre-registration is required
773-638-1766 ext. 24 or hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org

Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:13 AM | Permalink |

January 12, 2007

New Website for Gardeners

Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:09 PM | Permalink |

January 11, 2007

Gary Comer Youth Center

Rosalind Dale, District Coordinator/FNP and I met with staff at the Gary Comer Youth Center at 7200 South Ingleside to discuss potential programming for the youth at the center. The center is a state-of-the art facility with a gym/auditorium, kitchen and cafeteria, computer lab, dance studio, recording studio, arts and crafts room, classrooms and a rooftop garden.

Gary Comer, Lands End founder and former student at Paul Revere School has given over $50 million to the Paul Revere community including $7 million to Paul Revere School, $5 million for a neighborhood housing initiative, $1.5 million to the South Shore Drill team and $30 million to build the Gary Comer Youth Center.

Marji Hess, GC Rooftop Garden coordinator, Nancy Kreith, Cook County Extension Horticulture Assistant and Elizabeth Bruhns, Chicago Master Gardener Coordinator and I will meet later this month to discuss horticulture programming at the center.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:17 PM | Permalink |

January 9, 2007

Partnership with Lincoln Park Zoo

Elizabeth Bruhns, Chicago Master Gardener Coordinator and I met with Lincoln Park Zoo Education staff to discuss possible programming at Lincoln Park Zoo's Farm-in-the- Zoo.

The zoo is planning to turn the former crops garden into the new Edible Garden and Sustainable Crop Garden. There may also be a few vegetables planted in earthboxes in the garden. Discussion centered on Chicago Master Gardeners and Composters assisting with maintenance and educational programming at the new garden. There was also discussion about possibly conducting the Master Food Preserver's training at the Farm-in-the-Zoo's demonstration kitchen.

Elizabeth Bruhns and Nancy Kreith, Horticulture assistant will meet Lincoln Park Zoo Education staff and Jeanne Pinsof from Chicago's Green City Market in late January or February to discuss partnership possibilities.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:38 PM | Permalink |

January 7, 2007

Remembering Brian Williquette

Brian Williquette, a friend and former colleague passed away suddenly last Friday. Brian died of a heart attack leaving his wife and three children. Brian was only 50 years old.

I knew Brian for 24 years. I actually interviewed for his Urban Gardening Educator position with Extension in 1984 after he had been promoted to the position of Urban Gardening Program Coordinator. After leaving Extension, Brian worked for the Chicago Park District, Bartlett Trees and Brickman's Landscaping. He was highly respected in Chicago's horticulture community.

I will remember Brian for his work ethic and his tremendous knowledge of horticulture. We used to kiddingly call him "The Brain" Williquette. The past few years he has taught a number of our Chicago Master Gardener classes. He will be missed.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:25 PM | Permalink |

January 2, 2007

Periodical Cicadas are Coming!

The cicadas are coming! The 17-year periodical cicadas will be appearing in the Chicago area in spring 2007. Their last appearance was in 1990.

• Full-grown cicada nymphs are brown, humpbacked and about three-quarters inch long.
• They commonly construct soil chimneys that extend from the ground up to three inches high and are about one-half inch in diameter.
• Within a few days, the nymphs break through the top of the chimneys or soil surface to crawl up trees, shrubs and other upright objects where they molt into adults.
• Adult periodical cicadas are about one and one-quarter inch long black insects with red eyes and orange-veined, clear wings.
• Males produce a high-pitched wavering song that sounds like a trill when many are singing together. They sing primarily during the sunny part of the day to attract females to them for mating.
• The males and the singing die after a couple of weeks, while females remain alive for two to four weeks longer to lay eggs.
• Eggs are inserted into tree and shrub stems that are up to two inches in diameter. Heavy egg laying will cause twigs to break, resulting in dead leaves at the end of branches.
• Control is directed at preventing egg-laying damage, as adult feeding is insignificant.
• Although pyrethroids and carbaryl (Sevin) will kill large numbers of adults, treated plants commonly experience about as much injury as untreated plants in landscapes. Mature trees and shrubs usually experience only minor damage.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:00 PM | Permalink |