EAB Makes Headlines

DATCP SECRETARY URGES WISCONSIN RESIDENTS TO BURN PURCHASED FIREWOOD THAT MAY CONTAIN DESTRUCTIVE ASH BEETLE April 26, 2007
"Firewood from Taylors Wood Products, Inc, an Illinois-based company, was not properly treated and it could potentially harbor the destructive emerald ash borer. This wood boring beetle hasn't been found in Wisconsin and burning this firewood quickly can aid in preventing the possible introduction of this insect into Wisconsin. A national recall on all Taylors wood is also in effect... "

Ash borer fight may trip over disposal issue By Dave Wischnowsky Tribune staff reporter Published April 13, 2007
"Last fall, all of Kane County and a swath of northern Cook County were quarantined by the state after the ash borer was confirmed in those areas. The quarantine zones are intended to stymie the spread of the metallic-green pest, which has killed 20 million ash trees in five states and Canada since 2002. But the quarantines are thwarting the work of brush collection companies as well..."

Suburb takes steps to save storied ash
As other trees are felled in response to the emerald ash borer, Wilmette's Bicentennial Ash is getting some preventive TLC
By Dave Wischnowsky Tribune staff reporter Published March 30, 2007

Fragrant Viburnums are a Feast for the Senses in all Seasons

Pink pearly buds open to blushing white snowballs in spring,perfuming the air with scents of clove and spicy chocolate.

Tiny fuzzy leaves expand to rich velvety green summer foliage.

Bundles of merlot teardrop fruits
hang from stiff branches in early fall.

Cool fall weather brings sorbet colored leaves in shades of tangerine, lemon, and raspberry.

Please call for more information or download our Current Availability to see Fragrant Viburnum sizes and availability.

More information on Fragrant Viburnums

• Burkwood, Mohawk, Koreanspice, Cayuga, Compact Koreanspice, Juddi

Plant Apathy

An article in the New York Times Science Section today explores in a fun way our blindness to plants despite their importance to our lives.

• "According to Peter H. Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, many of us suffer from an insidious condition called “plant blindness.” We barely notice plants, can rarely identify them and find them incomparably inert... But the antidote to plant apathy is at hand. As an unusually cool, sodden April edges toward May and spring’s cheeky blooms can be bridled no longer, botanists urge everyone to venture outside and check out the world through nature’s rose-colored glasses — and the daffodil, cherry blossom, dogwood and lupine ones, too. If this view doesn’t move you, you’re pushing up daisies. " -New York Times April 17, 2007 'Green, Life-Giving and Forever Young' By Natalie Angier

Green Festival in Chicago

Celebrate Earth Day in one of the Greenest Cities!

"Here, green means safe, healthy communities and strong, local economies. Green is the color of hope, of social and economic justice, of ecological balance."
The Chicago Green Festival is being held at McCormick Place
Saturday April 21st 10AM- 8PM and Sunday April 22nd 11AM- 6PM

• Green Business Exhibitors in the 'eco-mall'
• Speakers, Workshops, and Films
• Green Careers
• Organic Food and Drinks
• Live Music

The Green Business Conference is prior to the Green Festival April 17-20 at the Chicago Cultural Center
Learn about industry leaders embracing sustainability, greening your workplace, developing a successful green business from marketing to financing. Network with others interested in Green Business. See cutting-edge green technologies on the Green City Business Tour of Chicago.

What is a Carbon Offset?

“The typical American is responsible for 10 tons of CO2 emissions annually via their home, cars and air travel, and about 23 tons of CO2 via their purchases and activities. While most people can reduce their climate footprints by using energy more efficiently and buying high mileage cars, we strongly support taking the extra step of offsetting events. Carbon offsets are a simple, affordable way to reduce the remainder of your climate footprint.” -Earth Day Network

Carbon offsets provide ways for individuals or organizations to invest in green projects aimed at reducing, avoiding, or trapping CO2 in the atmosphere to counteract the carbon dioxide emissions they produce. Many programs have sprung up to allow people to reduce their climate impact and help slow global warming. Most offset companies have online programs to calculate your carbon emissions.

The programs are relatively new, and vary in quality and standards.
Sites that evaluate and rank Carbon Offset Companies:

• Tufts University
• Clean Air- Cool Planet

While carbon offsets can ease the guilt of our environmental impact, there is still much to do to reduce our energy use by changing our consumption habits.

• Illinois Recycles
• McHenry County Defenders

Resources:

• AP 'Column: What Are Carbon Offset Programs?" 3/27/07
• Sustainable Travel Info
• Native Engergy
• The Climate Trust
• Carbon Fund
• Earth Day Network

Abbrvs hv u cnfsd?

The Tree Care Association (formerly the National Arborist Association) has compiled an online list with definitions of the industry’s abbreviations and acronyms.