Thousands of Tree Species at Risk of Extinction

New Information Revealed About Danger To Oak, Maple Species

LISLE, IL (November 19, 2007) – Seventy-eight species of oak trees – cornerstones of natural and urban landscapes – are globally threatened with extinction, including 17 species that are under threat in the United States, according to an as-yet unpublished report from international experts. Additionally, 19 maple tree species are either “critically endangered” or “endangered.” Sara Oldfield, Secretary General of London-based Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), revealed the data when addressing conservationists and others at The Morton Arboretum.

“Ecosystems and species are under threat, there’s no doubt about it,” Oldfield said. “Plants are often overlooked in biodiversity debates. Often, animals are discussed, but what about the plants on which they depend?” she asked.

Oaks and maples join magnolias, conifers, ginkgo, and others on the “Red List.” This document, from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), lists species that are threatened with extinction in the wild – even rating the seriousness of each species’ situation with categories such as critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable. MORE

Genetically Engineered Trees

Through Genetics, Tapping a Tree’s Potential as a Source of Energy
By Andrew Pollack
New York Times: Published November 20, 2007

"It might be true that “only God can make a tree,” as the poet Joyce Kilmer wrote. But genetic engineers can fundamentally redesign them.

Aiming to turn trees into new energy sources, scientists are using a controversial genetic engineering process to change the composition of the wood. A major goal is to reduce the amount of lignin, a chemical compound that interferes with efforts to turn the tree’s cellulose into biofuels like ethanol."

Pros:

• possible source for energy
• the trees also absorb carbon dioxide
• trees can be harvested as needed (versus other crops)
• could save at least 10 cents/gallon in ethanol costs
• increased interest and money for tree research
• domesticating trees would save natural forests from being cut down

Cons:

• decreased lignin may lead to weak trees vulnerable to pests and diseases
• the public may resist the attempt to turn trees into a row crop on the same level as corn or soybeans
• Forests are more visually appealing and better for wildlife than tree plantations
• transgenic trees could easily spread to the wild
• long term nature of trees makes it impossible to see the long term consequences

Village of Cary named Clean Air Community

Tree plantings help capture Clean Air honor

CARY – The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Clean Air Counts program has named the village a Clean Air Community.

The village has received bronze-level status, which recognizes communities that have undertaken four outreach efforts to promote clean-air initiatives and have a designated contact person for efforts.

“Cary has always been a leader in environmental stewardship, from award-winning recycling programs to award-winning tree-preservation efforts,” Village President Steve Lamal said.

“Becoming a member of the metropolitan region’s Clean Air Counts Campaign is a natural continuation of our ongoing environmental protection efforts.”

The village has supported the Clean Air Counts Campaign by including educational materials in the village newsletter. The village also uses blended fuels in some village vehicles and has an active tree-planting program, Village Administrator Cameron Davis said.

Officials expanded the village’s tree-preservation efforts by creating a program that allows residents to have trees planted in memory of lost loved ones.

In the first month of the program, two trees were planted at the Tom Vieweg Nature Area near Cary Creek, which was designated the first memorial grove tree-planting area.

– Jocelyn Allison
The Northwest Herald

Trends for 2008

"According to public relations firm Garden Media Group, the garden and landscape trends below will shape consumer choices next year." Landscape Design/Build Solutions
-The Environment -Eco-Chic
-Buying Locally -Water Features
-Low-Maintenance -Corresponding Color
-Shapely Landscapes -Landscape Lighting
-Give Me Shelter
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The Carbon Calculus

By Matthew L. Wald, Published New York Times: November 7, 2007

"A CHANGE is in the works that could go a long way toward making alternative energy less alternative, and more attractive to consumers and businesses.

It’s not a technological fix from some solar-cell laboratory in Silicon Valley or wind-turbine researcher in Colorado or the development of some superbug to turn wood waste into ethanol.

Rather, the change would come from Washington, if Congress does what it has talked about and puts a price tag on greenhouse-gas emissions. Suddenly the carbon content of fuel, or how much carbon dioxide is produced per unit of energy, would be as important as what the fuel costs. In fact, it might largely define what the fuel cost." MORE

America Recycles Day- November 15

Recycling Facts and Figures from www.americarecyclesday.org

• Twenty years ago, only one curbside recycling program existed in the United States. Today, there are more than 10,000 curbside programs in the United States.
• Today, the U.S. recycles 33% of its waste, a rate that has almost doubled during the past 15 years.
• Recycling saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. If the recycling rate for aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging were to increase a mere 10%, an additional 3.9 million tons of materials would be recycled, saving enough energy to:
• Heat 1.5 million American homes in a moderate climate for one year.
  
• Provide the required electricity to 1.8 million Americans for one year.
• Save Americans about $957 million in avoided costs for barrels of crude oil.