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 Winter Issue 2024 Vol. 11, No. 1
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Happy New Year from WL Tree Friends
Introducing our Leadership for 2024-2026
Paul Brennan – Chair
Paul says that he is impressed by the energy and effort, as well as the group enthusiasm of the Tree Friends volunteers. A relatively new member, he displays that same enthusiasm – “We have so much more to do!”
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Becky Fry – Vice Chair
A long-time member and tree enthusiast, Becky and her husband have owned a varietal tree farm since 1980 in Vigo County. Becky enjoys team pruning and recently served as Chair of the Tree Friends Tribute Tree program as well as a Member-at-Large.
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Bob Voelz – Member-at-Large
Bob says he enjoys nature and the outdoors in general, but especially finds the product of pruning quite satisfying. “Each tree has its own shape, and to keep that shape is a blessing.”
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An enthusiastic Thank You to our outgoing leaders – Dennis Schlott (Chair), Nanci Forney (Vice-Chair) and Becky Fry (Member-at-Large). Continuing members of the Executive Committee include Bill Evers, Bill Gass, and Diane Schlegel.
The post-pandemic years have been challenging in so many ways, but Tree Friends and the City continue to plant, prune, and protect our WL urban forest. With energetic, forward-thinking leadership we not only have continued to grow the urban forest, but soon we will grow our own trees in the WL Municipal Nursery!
As we welcome our new leadership, we sadly bid farewell to our City liaison, Bryce Patz. He has been with Tree Friends since 2015. We thank him for his enormous contribution of energy, program ideas, and support. We wish him well in his new endeavors.
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West Lafayette Municipal Nursery
Follow our progress:
- 2021 – The City launched the Municipal Nursery Project.
- 2021 – WL Tree Friends supported the project by raising $50,000.
- 2023 – The WL Redevelopment Commission approved the final Agreement.
- 2024 – Construction begins in the First Quarter.
- 2024 – Completion anticipated in December (weather permitting).
The Municipal Nursery will be a Parks and Recreation facility growing trees, shrubs, perennials, and native forbs for the City’s urban forestry program and for restoration projects for public lands. The Nursery will have a potting house, poly-greenhouse, and a tree nursery with the capacity to grow 1800 trees. For more information about the project or how you can get involved, contact West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department!
LET’S PLANT TREEES!
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What is the Community Forestry Management Plan?
Approved in November 2023, the Plan is a policy document guiding the City’s urban forestry program for the next 5 to10 years. This includes the street tree program, park canopy, and woodland management. In addition, it provides a framework for storm management and future staffing. The Community Forestry Management Plan is available on the West Lafayette city website – click on the Community Forestry and Greenspace page. Click HERE to view.
This long-range plan for forestry and greenspaces is the first of its kind in West Lafayette.
“By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
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Helen M. Lillich not only dreamed of a greener West Lafayette, but she also planted trees. In 2010 after her death, WL Tree Friends continued her vision. In her honor, WL Tree Friends offers these lectures, focusing on planting, growing, and maintaining the WL urban forest. These lectures are intended to appeal to everyone who loves trees and is concerned about our urban forest. Continuing education credits are available for ISA Certified Arborists and Pesticide Application license holders.
April 2023 – Kelly Murphy of MKSK Studios, highlighted the Cason Family Park design, ranging from native landscapes to the beginning of new WL woodlands.
Aren Flint, Consultant Arborist of Davey Resources, discussed the City’s Community Forestry Management Plan (see above article).
November 2023 – Carrie Trauscher, Director of Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, focused on maintaining the urban forest, stressing that caring for any canopy takes planning, patience, and creativity.
Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Extension at Purdue, presented the environmental benefits of trees and how we, as property owners, can care for our own trees.
A special thanks to Davey Resource Group for sponsoring this year’s lecture series.
Look for Lillich Lecture dates in 2024 with relevant topics for you and your trees.
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Thanks for Your Support!
As we enter a new year, the West Lafayette Tree Friends express our heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors who have contributed in 2023. Your unwavering support has allowed us to continue our mission of growing, nurturing and preserving the green heart of our community.
Thanks to your generosity, our cityscape is adorned with thriving trees that provide shade, enhance air quality, and contribute to the overall well-being and health of our community. Your support also enables us to organize tree-planting events, conduct educational lectures, and implement innovative programs aimed at fostering a deeper connection between our residents and the environment.
If you haven't contributed yet, we encourage you to take that step today. Visit our website (https://wltreefriends.org/donate) to find out how you can make a meaningful contribution and be a part of growing green in our community. Consider becoming a sustaining member by making your donation a monthly or yearly contribution.
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Winter Tree Buds
During winter trees appear to be bare and dead. In reality, they are not dead but are dormant – resting and waiting until more favorable conditions activate new growth. The buds are made of tough scales that form a waterproof case designed to withstand snow, ice and cold. A tree bud contains the beginnings of a leaf, shoot, or flower.
In spring, when sap rises from the roots to the branches, the scales fall off the buds; and the tree’s leaves, stems, and flowers unfurl and grow.
Winter is a good time to study buds and learn to identify various species of trees. The color of the bud scales, the number of buds, where the buds are located, and their position are key. BE MINDFUL WHEN PRUNING IN WINTER – minimize the number of buds you cut off!
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Upcoming Events
West Lafayette Tree Friends Meetings
Everyone is welcome! We meet on the second Tuesday of each month. Check out the City’s public meeting calendar or Contact West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department at wlparks@westlafayette.in.gov.
- Tuesday, February 13, 2024
- Tuesday, March 12, 2024
- Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is Friday, April 26. The WL Tree Friends will have a celebration of the day, including planting 12 new trees, from 9-11 am at Cumberland Park. Stay tuned!
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In Closing...
Here’s a challenge: Bundle up and take a walk in the woods!
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
John Muir
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Finally, a favor to ask. If you like this newsletter we send you, would you forward it to a few friends who perhaps don’t know about it? They can sign up to receive it themselves
right here. Thanks.
Find previous issues of Urban Leaves here.
Show your appreciation for someone with a Tribute Tree, and make a contribution to the health and beauty of West Lafayette. For more information
West Lafayette Tree Friends
222 N Chauncey Ave
West Lafayette, IN 47906
website / email us
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