Elk Rapids Almanac - May 2021
May Notes: In May, as our trees spring back to life, some scientists and foresters are watching the impacts of the warming northern Michigan climate on our tree species. This change is shifting the growing regions/zones of our native trees and has prompted groups such as the Conservation Resource Alliance and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to launch experiments in “tree migration” and forest resilience, essentially planting trees in a climate zone previously considered too cold for them.
Local students and residents participated in related “citizen scientist” efforts to study these long-term impacts.
Oak Trees: Doug Tallamy, internationally recognized ecologist and previous guest speaker for Green Elk Rapids, notes in his new book, The Nature of Oaks, that an oak tree can live for a thousand years and supports thousands of animal interactions. He hopes to “peak your interest in oak communities, or at least increase your appreciation of the central role oaks play in ecosystems across the country, and indeed, ecosystems in the northern hemisphere the world over.“ The number of oak species has diminished considerably, and there are not enough untrammeled places left to sustain the natural world.” His solution is that we simply restore some of the habitat by adding the right plants to our existing landscapes. “We must prevent the loss of common kingpins like oaks as if our well-being depends on them. For it does.” -Doug Tallamy
May 14 - Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
There is an old adage that the best time to plant a tree was yesterday and many in Elk Rapids have done just that! Several residents planted Antrim County Conservation District native species project trees and shrubs for observation on their adaptability to thrive here in this climate. The years ahead will tell the story of their success. -Julie Farrell
May 19 - The Elk Rapids High School ECO Club and the Environmental Science class came together to plant trees on high school property in Williamsburg. The two groups planted 50 trees for the Assisted Tree Expansion Project (ATREP), including Shagbark Hickory, Tulip trees, Black Tupelo, and Swamp White Oak were among the species planted. By bringing these southern Michigan species up north, we are observing the impact of rising temperatures by mimicing natural range expansion. The high school students were very happy to work together to help the environment. -Mary Halek, Elk Rapids High School Eco Club
May 20 - Trees play a very important role in our everyday lives. They give us oxygen while taking carbon dioxide out of the air. They also improve air quality, preserve soil, support wildlife and help stop climate change. The environment revolves around the safety of trees. Now it's your turn. You
can help the environment by using less paper products and planting trees near your house. _
-Luke Otto, age 11
May 20 - Trees are very important because they give us oxygen and take away carbon
dioxide. Some trees give us food. And they make the environment prettier. -Jack Otto, age 7
May Notes: In May, as our trees spring back to life, some scientists and foresters are watching the impacts of the warming northern Michigan climate on our tree species. This change is shifting the growing regions/zones of our native trees and has prompted groups such as the Conservation Resource Alliance and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to launch experiments in “tree migration” and forest resilience, essentially planting trees in a climate zone previously considered too cold for them.
Local students and residents participated in related “citizen scientist” efforts to study these long-term impacts.
Oak Trees: Doug Tallamy, internationally recognized ecologist and previous guest speaker for Green Elk Rapids, notes in his new book, The Nature of Oaks, that an oak tree can live for a thousand years and supports thousands of animal interactions. He hopes to “peak your interest in oak communities, or at least increase your appreciation of the central role oaks play in ecosystems across the country, and indeed, ecosystems in the northern hemisphere the world over.“ The number of oak species has diminished considerably, and there are not enough untrammeled places left to sustain the natural world.” His solution is that we simply restore some of the habitat by adding the right plants to our existing landscapes. “We must prevent the loss of common kingpins like oaks as if our well-being depends on them. For it does.” -Doug Tallamy
May 14 - Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
There is an old adage that the best time to plant a tree was yesterday and many in Elk Rapids have done just that! Several residents planted Antrim County Conservation District native species project trees and shrubs for observation on their adaptability to thrive here in this climate. The years ahead will tell the story of their success. -Julie Farrell
May 19 - The Elk Rapids High School ECO Club and the Environmental Science class came together to plant trees on high school property in Williamsburg. The two groups planted 50 trees for the Assisted Tree Expansion Project (ATREP), including Shagbark Hickory, Tulip trees, Black Tupelo, and Swamp White Oak were among the species planted. By bringing these southern Michigan species up north, we are observing the impact of rising temperatures by mimicing natural range expansion. The high school students were very happy to work together to help the environment. -Mary Halek, Elk Rapids High School Eco Club
May 20 - Trees play a very important role in our everyday lives. They give us oxygen while taking carbon dioxide out of the air. They also improve air quality, preserve soil, support wildlife and help stop climate change. The environment revolves around the safety of trees. Now it's your turn. You
can help the environment by using less paper products and planting trees near your house. _
-Luke Otto, age 11
May 20 - Trees are very important because they give us oxygen and take away carbon
dioxide. Some trees give us food. And they make the environment prettier. -Jack Otto, age 7
