Website Name

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RochesterEnvironment.com

Plants (flora) Newslinks for the Rochester, NY area

RochesterEnvironment.com

These NewsLinks represent a decade of ferreting out local online NewsLinks to the issues of Plants, Agriculture, Forests, Woodlands, Urban Forests, Farming in our area. 

The more recent stories are on the top and oldest at the bottom of this list. 

And, although many of these links no longer work, I believe that it is important to be able to find that these stories have existed for ferreting out existing or impending environmental problems. The repercussions of pollution or overuse of a resource often takes a long time for us to recognize and when we finally do, it is invaluable to be able to track the history of various issues before they found a tipping point and became a crisis. Students, scientists, historians, and citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an issue back through time.

2010

• Brockport recognized for its urban forestry | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The village of Brockport has been named a Tree City USA for the second consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation. (July 17, 2010) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Water Quality in our area]
• STATE COMMENCES LARGEST SURVEY YET FOR PLUM POX VIRUS 250,000 Samples to be Taken to Help Eradicate Virus of Stone Fruit   New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced the commencement of the State’s largest survey to combat Plum Pox Virus, a serious plant virus that infects stone fruit trees, reducing fruit yields and disfiguring fruit to the point that it becomes unmarketable.  New York is the only remaining state in the nation with Plum Pox.  (June 10, 2010) New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets  [more on Plants in our area]
• Monroe CC strengthens ties to agricultural community | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle BRIGHTON — A new greenhouse attached to one of Monroe Community College's classroom buildings is the most visible sign that agriculture has a growing presence in the MCC curriculum. This past school year, more than 850 students enrolled in 11 courses — from practical botany to business management — with an agricultural component. Some of these classes made use of the greenhouse, where — with state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems — tomatoes potted in soil thrive near micro-greens cultivated hydroponically in nutrient-enriched water. (June 5, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Plants in our area]
• MCC Greenhouse Grand Opening The community is welcome to tour Monroe Community College’s new greenhouse. (May 7, 2010) MCC NEWS [more on Plants in our area]
• WXXI: Gardeners and Food Bank Planting Seeds for Urban Farming (2010-05-06) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - At first glance, the farm does not look promising. It's overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. There's a high brick wall surrounding it, which casts deep shadows over the cluster of apple trees. And there are kids running around everywhere.  (May 6, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom  [more on Plants in our area]
• The late blight fight State Ag Department plans inspections, earlier response As tomato and potato growers throughout the state prepare for a new growing season, many are still reeling from the outbreak of late blight that ruined countless plants last year.  (May 3, 2010 )Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Plants in our area]
• COMMISSIONER HOOKER ANNOUNCES 2010 STRATEGY FOR LATE BLIGHT | State Coordinates Response for Detection & “Stop Sale” of Diseased Plants   New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced a new concerted strategy that will enhance the State’s detection and eradication efforts of late blight, a plant disease that mainly attacks potatoes and tomatoes.  Late blight was the cause of much distress to backyard gardeners, as well as a significant production loss for New York’s commercial growers in 2009.                 “New York had the perfect weather combination of cooler temperatures and rainy days for the development of late blight last summer,” the Commissioner said.  “While not an uncommon plant disease in New York, its impact on the State’s potato and tomato crops had a devastating effect as it arrived earlier and stayed longer than normal.  Late blight was an even greater challenge to the State’s organic growers who did not have the approved control measures to combat this highly contagious disease in the field.” (April 29, 2010)  New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets   [more on Plants in our area]
• The late blight fight State Ag Department plans inspections, earlier response As tomato and potato growers throughout the state prepare for a new growing season, many are still reeling from the outbreak of late blight that ruined countless plants last year.  (May 2, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Plants in our area]
• State coordinates response for detection and "stop sale" of diseased plants ALBANY - State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced a new concerted strategy that will enhance the State's detection and eradication efforts of late blight, a plant disease that mainly attacks potatoes and tomatoes. Late blight was the cause of much distress to backyard gardeners, as well as a significant production loss for New York's commercial growers in 2009. (April 30, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Plants in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Arbor Day Events The town of Greece will plant a tree in memory of Hunter Resch. The seven-year-old was killed earlier this year in a tragic murder-suicide. The event will happen at the Greece Town Hall at 3 p.m. on Friday. For more information, you can call the Greece Town Hall at 225-2000. (April 30, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News  [more on Plants in our area]
• Rochester study to explore turning blight into farm plots | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Urban farming soon could provide a new use for the abandoned Erie Canal and subway bed in northwest Rochester, and for abandoned buildings and empty lots throughout the city.  (April 14, 2010) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Plants in our area]
• Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Underway - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery has begun taking orders for its annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings. Ordering will continue until mid-May through DEC's Saratoga Nursery. "The State Nursery has provided trees for erosion control and other uses since the early 1900s," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "With the challenges presented by global warming, planting trees is just as important today as it was 100 years ago." (January 26, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Plants in our area]
• City ponders urban gardens | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A Rochester consulting firm could spearhead a study on urban agriculture and community gardens, exploring applicable technologies and developing strategies best suited to Rochester. (January 1, 2010) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Plants in our area]

2009

• Campus Times - Woodlands a valuable resource Under rain and dreary skies, Professor of Biology Robert Minckley’s Ecosystem Conservation and Human Society class trudged through UR’s Woodlands near Whipple Park in Brighton. Teaching Assistant and sophomore Margaret Ball gave instructions to the students from the front of the line, asking them to consider the function of each individual part of the woodlands as a part of the class assignment to measure the woodlands’ dollar worth. (November 19, 09) Campus Times [more on Plants in our area]
• Watertown Daily Times | EPA awards Clarkson grants to help NNY farmers TWO TEAMS: One research group will develop a manure digester for small farm use, the other a greenhouse for organic produce | POTSDAM — Clarkson University has been awarded two grants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop sustainable technologies designed to help north country farmers. (October 25, 09)Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Plants in our area]
• Farmers use GPS technology to aim for increased productivity, profit | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal When road designers lay out new highways, they make use of satellites and on-the-ground positioning systems to guide their work. A Rochester-area company with a satellite office in Groton, working with a regional dairy cooperative based in Ithaca, is bringing that technology to farmers so they can guide their tractors on autopilot to distribute seed and fertilizer according to soil variations, even within the same row. (September 14, 09) theithacajournal.com | Ithaca zagform | The Ithaca Journal [more on Plants in our area]
• Garden pests thrive in wet wonderland | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Now that the threat of rain has finally gone away — for a few days anyway — home gardeners must deal with rapidly growing plants and lawns, well-watered by the recent deluges, as well as accumulating weeds. (July 13, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Farming your yard | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Ah, the joys of a garden harvest: plump tomatoes, shiny purple eggplants, luscious lettuce. But tilling hard soil, weeding in the hot sun? Not for everyone. So as green becomes the new black, Rochester gardening businesses are making regular house calls so you can have your harvest and eat it, too. (July 7, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• The Press Republican - Article: Devastating plant fungus found in Plattsburgh PLATTSBURGH — The fungal disease that caused the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s has been found in Plattsburgh, with experts pressing for a quick reaction from local residents. Late blight is a devastating fungal disease that spreads very quickly and affects plants of the solanaceae family. (June27, 09) The Press Republican
• '100,000 Tree Campaign’ seeks Greenway backing : Buffalo/Erie County : The Buffalo News Advocates of a proposal to plant 100,000 trees in 10 years in Western New York are seeking the endorsement of the Niagara River Greenway Commission for the first phase of their project. Public comments on Re-Tree WNY’s “100,000 Tree Campaign” will be accepted by the commission through June 30.(June 9, 09) The Buffalo News
• Kids Making Sure Flower City Stays In Bloom | Rochester is called the Flower City, and some kids in our area are making sure it stays that way. (June 5, 09) RochesterHomePage
• ENVIRONMENT: Tree haters hit Cobbs Hill - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper A mature maple tree near the reservoir in Cobbs Hill Park has fallen victim to vandalism. The maple, which stood about 50 feet tall, was chopped down with an ax, says Paul Holahan, city commissioner of environmental services. The vandalism was reported to city officials on Wednesday, May 27, and appears to have happened over the Memorial Day weekend. (June 3, 09) Rochester City Newspaper
• Binghamton tree planting programs announced BINGHAMTON – The City of Binghamton has encouraged residents to apply to the  2009 Yard Tree Coupon Program and the 2009 Street Tree Program. Both programs are now open to eligible applicants. (June 1, 09) New York State News on the Net!
• Rochester Adds to its Urban Garden | The City of Rochester continues to invest in its landscape. The forestry program has been busy planting hundreds of trees all over the city. Rochester's forestry division maintains 70,000 public trees located along streets, in parks and cemeteries. The city spends close to $1 million a year on its urban garden. (May 26, 09) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Trees to be Replaced - 13WHAM.com (Brighton, N.Y.) – The 15 trees cut down by vandals at Brighton High School last week will be replaced on Friday. (May 6,09) Home - 13WHAM.com
• Greece students study trees | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle With members of the town's Tree Council and Department of Public Works, Auberger talked with the youngsters about the importance of trees. (April 28, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Victory Gardens Make a Comeback - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) -  The plots will measure about four by eight feet.  Larger families will get their own plots. Singles and small families will likely have to share.  But folks with South Wedge planning say that's part of the point...to bring together members of the community.  (April 23, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com
• Tree City U.S.A Recognizes More than 100 New York Community Tree Programs - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation More than 100 cities, towns and villages across New York State today received national recognition as a "Tree City USA" at a ceremony held at the Holiday Inn Express in Albany. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) State Forester, Robert K. Davies, gave opening remarks and spoke about current issues facing forestry in New York State. (March 26, 09) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• C O R N E L L   U N I V E R S I T Y   M E D I A   A D V I S O R Y Cornell professors to brief Capitol Hill on ‘How the Warming Climate will Change Agriculture,’ March 27 ITHACA, N.Y. – David Wolfe, Cornell professor of horticulture and Arthur DeGaetano, Cornell professor of climatology, will speak on Capitol Hill to explain how the warming climate will change agriculture on Friday, March 27, 1:30 p.m., at 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. - Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future - News
• State to reimburse up to 75 percent of organic certification costs- 2/25/09 ALBANY - New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced the renewal of the States Organic Certification Reimbursement Program, which reimburses certified organic producers and processors for a portion of their annual organic certification costs. (Feb 27, 09) News Index - Digital Edition Courier-Gazette, Newark NY 14513
• Brighton rejects tree-chopping proposal | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle At a meeting Wednesday night, the Brighton Town Board voted down a proposed Tree Law amendment that would allow trees to be cut down on town property without a public hearing. (Jan 19, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York

2008

• CITY ANNOUNCES FLOWER CITY GARDEN CONTEST WINNERS Mayor Robert Duffy today announced the winners of this year’s “Flower City Looking Good Garden Contest winners. The winners were presented certificates and also received enlarged photographs of their winning gardens. The contest, part of the City’s annual “Flower City Looking Good Program” for gardeners and environmentalists, not only rewards the outstanding efforts of Rochester’s gardeners, but encourages all residents to beautify their property and neighborhood. (Oct 31, 08) Welcome to the City of Rochester
• Grow Monroe program promotes locally grown produce | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Buy a locally grown tomato, preserve your nearby bucolic landscape. The connection between locally grown produce and local quality of life will be easier to make after today, when Monroe County officials and farmers launch their "Grow Monroe" program. The marketing effort will help consumers identify food in farm markets — and eventually supermarkets — that's grown in their own backyard. (Sept 29, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Urban gardeners add color to drab streets | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Dazzling garden stops traffic (Sept 28, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• CITY OFFERS FREE GARDENING OPPORTUNITIES Rochester-area residents are invited to adopt a garden, plant flowers or bulbs in city parks and neighborhoods, visit an urban farm or attend a garden workshop. All upcoming gardening events are a part of the City’s Flower City Looking Good Program and are FREE. Only the Rochester Blossoms! planting event requires preregistration. (Sept 16, 08) Welcome to the City of Rochester
• New law safeguards ancient trees -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY Loggers will not be allowed to cut old-growth forest on about 900,000 acres of state land  ALBANY -- Ancient trees on state-owned land no longer will fall to the logger's saw. A new law signed last week by Gov. David Paterson will protect "old-growth" forest on about 900,000 acres of state land outside of current "forever wild" State Forest Preserve protection. (Sept 12, 08) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
• Rochester's SWAN Kids Grow Green - A vegetable garden on Rochester's Dr. Samuel McCree Way is part of the Grow Green program. It's a youth development program supported by the United Way through the Southwest Area Neighborhood Association. (Sept 8, 08) http://www.rnews.com/
• Can organics work? - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. - (Aug 12, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• MPNnow Not-so-little problem in the Big Woods RSS Though the hunting season is still months away, local hunters may be staking out their territory. Problem is, it isn’t their territory — it belongs to the town, which is issuing strong warnings to would-be trespassers. (Aug 13, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Butterfly gardens beautify homes, are beneficial to environment | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Butterflies flutter from the tiny purple petals of the Johnny-jump-ups to the freckled faces of the tiger lilies in Carol Southby's Penfield garden. Edged with woodlands and fleshed out in clover-studded lawn, Southby's yard has been planted almost entirely with plants that create an ideal ecosystem in which butterflies can thrive. Southby, a butterfly gardener for nearly 20 years, says of the 75 species of butterflies in Monroe County, she has seen more than 40 in her own yard. (July 13, 08) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Governor urges feds to declare 23 counties agricultural disaster areas - ALBANY - Governor David Paterson Friday urged the federal government to declare 23 New York counties agricultural disaster areas. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, Governor Paterson requested disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for farms that experienced crop damage from severe hail storms on June 16th. Twenty-three counties across New York State were hit with large sized hail, high winds and excessive rain. Counties included in the Governor’s disaster assistance request are: Albany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Monroe ( June 28, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• Rochester, Sierra Club project to study, restore Washington Grove forest | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A joint project has been announced by the Sierra Club and the city of Rochester to study and restore Washington Grove forest. (June 9, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• BROOKS LAUNCHES MAJOR COUNTY REFORESTATION EFFORT 2,000 trees to be planted at Mendon Ponds Park Today in a field at Mendon Ponds Park, County Executive Maggie Brooks launched the Monroe County Reforestation Program, a major local reforestation effort. She was joined by representatives from the County Parks, Environmental Services and Human Services Departments, as well as individuals from the Rochester Landscape Technicians Program. (May 6, 08)  --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
• Mendon Ponds tree initiative takes root | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle MENDON — More than 1,000 trees have been planted at Mendon Ponds Park under a new Monroe County initiative to improve air and water quality, and about 1,000 more trees will be put into the earth by the end of next week. (May 7, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Plum pox virus - U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer asked the federal government for additional money to help western New York farmers fight off plum pox. This virus is sweeping through Orleans County, killing peaches plums and cherries. If one of these fruit trees acquires the virus, the tree must be burned and every tree within one hundred and 50 feet has to be burned as well. The virus is spreading throughout Orleans County and into Canada, threatening to destroy the local fruit industry. (April 20, 08) RochesterHomepage.net
• Blooming good idea: Recycle Easter plants | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Now that Easter has come and gone, what do you do with the lilies, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths you received? Flower lovers can recycle the flowers by planting them outdoors when the weather warms up a little more, say operators of area garden centers. (March 24, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
• Grand old trees protect — and are protected - Rochester, NY - MPNnow In the older sections of Oakwood Cemetery on the corner of Whalen and Baird roads, the long dead and their crusted tombstones are shaded by beautiful trees that comfort the beholder. At 1684 Scribner Road, 77-year-old homeowner Nancy Moretti can look out her window and see the giant old horse-chestnut tree she remembers fondly from childhood. The majestic 80-footer stands in a circle in the driveway of her historic brick home known as the Luther Clark House, built in 1852. (March 06, 08) Rochester, NY - MPNnow

2007

• Short supply of top trees - Rochester, NY - MPNnow A couple of rainy summers followed by this year’s drought has created a dearth of high-quality Christmas trees upstate. The region had about three inches less rainfall than normal from June through September. As a result, Christmas trees didn’t grow as much and aren’t as vibrant as hoped, according to the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, Inc. (Nov 25, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
• ENVIRONMENT: Sickly pines will start coming down - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper Diplodia tip blight is increasing and it is almost impossible to eradicate. As many of the area's pines die, the appearance of parks and residential landscapes will undergo a dramatic change. (Nov 21, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
• Elms not easy to replace — Question: In light of the recent article "Elm trees making national comeback" published April 29 in the Democrat and Chronicle, I am wondering: What was Rochester's legacy regarding elm trees and what plans, if any, does our city have for the elm?  Answer: Back in the mid-1960s, old-time residents of Nunda Boulevard could remember when the trees were first planted along their city street in 1925. (May 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Pine-killing wasp spreads in upstate New York - ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Almost three years since a pine-killing wasp was found in upstate New York, its first discovery in any American forest, scientists have caught others in traps from western New York to the Adirondacks. The Sirex woodwasp, native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, kills pines and sometimes other conifers by introducing a toxic mucus and fungus when the female lays her eggs through the bark and into the sapwood. (April 30, 07) The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
• Elm trees making national comeback - Group's restoration efforts made possible with fungus-resistant variety — UTICA— Like many American communities, the streets of this upstate New York community were once shaded by a canopy of majestic American Liberty elms that towered like proud sentinels of civic character. And, like all those other communities, the elms were ravaged by an outbreak of Dutch elm disease that left behind a blighted landscape. (April 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• New York assists in eliminating pest that kills ash trees - The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation Monday announced the state's response to help the State of Maryland eradicate the Emerald Ash Borer, a destructive invasive forest health pest that causes a high rate of mortality in infested native ash trees. - (Feb 28, 07) New York State News on the Net!

2006

• Urban forestry grant awards announced - Approximately $300,000 in Urban and Community Forestry Grants for 32 tree planting projects in local urban neighborhoods and parks were announced Thursday. The grants are designed to promote energy savings, habitat creation, increased property values, and improved quality of life for New York’s urban residents. The grants to cities, villages, towns and not-for-profit organizations across the state are for community tree planting projects that will result in the planting of an estimated 3,000 new trees. The grants are made possible through the Urban and Community Forestry program, which is funded by New York State and the United States Forest Service and administered by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. - Monroe County · Town of Greece - $7,500 – The Department of Public Works will plant 150-175 trees. · Village of Brockport - $7,400 – The Village of Brockport will plant 48 trees on public rights of way along Village streets. (December 31, 2006) New York State News on the Net!
• Cornell finds key to hybridizing oaks - ITHACA — Cornell University scientists have unlocked the key to breeding hybrid oaks. With this long-elusive process now understood, Nina Bassuk, the program leader of Cornell's Urban Horticulture Institute, aims to develop tree varieties that are better able to withstand the harsh conditions of city life. Problems with highly alkaline soils, limited access to water, overdoses of salt in winter and tangling with overhead wires have long limited the types of trees that can grow in urban centers. All those problems could be addressed once this new process has enough time to grow suitable trees. (July 9, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle

2005

• Big hope for big trees - Regional duo explores area forests for champions - — For Richard Cook and Douglas Bassett, a simple walk in the park is anything but. Every tree in their path is a contender, to be sized up against their mental lists of soaring, sprawling trees. Cook, a landscape contractor from Irondequoit, and Bassett, a naturalist from Leicester, Livingston County, have spent the past five years on a mission to get local specimens recognized on state and national lists of big trees. (November 17, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Monroe to Treat Toxic Hogweed - Monroe County plans to used a herbicide to kill a toxic weed that's flowered in Ellison Park. County health director Dr. Andrew Doniger said park crews will apply Roundup to the portion of the park where Giant Hogweed has grown. Giant Hogweed is a toxic invasive species indigenous to Asia.When its watery sap comes in contact with human skin, and that skin is exposed to sunlight, painful, burning blisters that can later develop into blackened scars can result. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Hosta Virus X - Growing attention is being given to "Hosta Virus X", as it is apparent that is not limited to one area of the country. Hosta affected by virus are present in shipments by major vendors to varied garden centers. Regional hosta experts have reported seeing signs of Hosta Virus X in plants at a number of upstate NY garden retailers. Depending on the coloration of the varieties' leaves, the signs of Hosta Virus X may be apparent or tough to detect. Definitive tests in the laboratory are the only way to positively identify if the plant contains the virus. Below, normal and virus-affected leaves of hosta. --from Rochester Gardening

2004

•  Tree-planting efforts take root - Rochester benefiting from renewed focus on urban forestry. — Once a week, Jim Rhody and a few friends — all volunteer "community foresters" — head into the woods at Durand-Eastman Park. They cut back weeds and otherwise care for the unique trees that range over the park's 1,000 acres. (November 9, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Trees will be replaced in Chili park, state agency says — CHILI — The trees removed from park land in the Union Station subdivision will be replaced with new trees, according to a state agency. "New trees will be planted on the same site they were removed from," said Cathy Jimenez, a spokeswoman with the state office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in Albany. That state office shares environmental oversight of park land with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.  (August 25, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle

2003

•  Democrat & Chronicle: Saving urban trees a trend (October 8, 2003) — Five days a week in good weather, Rochester forestry technician Richard Nolan cruises neighborhoods east of the Genesee River, scanning the curbs and parks for city-owned trees. His main tool is not a chain saw or hoist. It’s a laptop computer, a sign that at least some experts have turned to modern, high-speed recording devices to track the health of urban forests. (October 8, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Pataki signs bill increasing the fine for stealing trees - Pataki signed the bill Wednesday at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville, during the annual meeting of the Empire State Forest Products Association. The law, which goes into effect March 1, increases the fine for tree thieves from $10 per tree to $250 per tree, or three times the fair market value of the tree. The $10 fine was set in 1909. The law also makes the crime a Class A misdemeanor. (October 2, 2003) Syracuse.com
•  Taking care of trees - Boards have been created for arbor maintenance - — FAIRPORT — A new branch of village government is rapidly growing. Just as Fairport has a Village Board that makes decisions about upcoming projects and funding, its newly formed Tree Board is creating a management system for forestry maintenance. Fairport, Brighton, Greece, the city of Rochester and towns and cities nationwide have created tree boards to help make sure trees are cared for in times of need but also to ensure that a care plan for the future is enacted. (September 21, 2003)  Democrat and Chronicle 
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Tar spot plagues Norway maples— Irene Turianski thought it was an early fall when she saw leaves from her Norway maples already on the ground outside her Penfield home. But when she called the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County’s Garden Helpline, Turianski — like the 30 or so other callers a day making similar inquiries— was told that her Norway maples have a case of tar spot. For more information, call the Garden Helpline weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon at (585) 473-5335. (August 19, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Botanists study `gallery of giants' — Saturday, June 28, 2003 — Just a two-hour drive from Rochester, amateur botanists in search of some very old trees were surprised instead to find some very tall ones. (June 28, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Timber Theft Bill Gets Final Legislative Approval - A bill to dramatically raise fines for timber theft gained final legislative approval from the Assembly. Under the bill, the crime would carry a minimum penalty of $250 per tree illegally felled. (June 18, 2003) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
•  Hemlock gets a trim - A reader alerted us that work crews were hauling logs out of some forested land on the east side of Hemlock Lake, around 30 miles south of Rochester. Ordinarily, that would be nothing unusual. But the land in question belongs to the City of Rochester, and the city's observing a logging moratorium in certain parts of the Hemlock-Canadice lakes watershed, a prime source of the municipal water supply for more than a century. The moratorium, a concession to environmentalists, is supposed to keep loggers far away from some stands of old-growth trees till next year, at least. (June 4, 2003) City Newspaper
•  City Newspaper: Hooked on organics A farm grows to beat the odds  Genesee County's northern tier, a zone of rich soils well-positioned between the Lake Ontario plains and the hill country to the south, has that touch of bigness. Open fields stretch hundreds or thousands of yards back from the road. A Montana-style "Big Sky" draws the eyes to infinity. "Big" weather rolls in day and night, often with tall, imposing, even intimidating cloud formations. With this kind of atmosphere, it's no surprise that Porter Farms, a family-owned operation just north of Batavia, is not small. The Porters --- father Jack, sons Steve and Mike, other family members, and maybe a dozen migrant workers and local employees during the growing season --- cultivate 550 acres. That's more than 20 percent bigger than Monroe County's Ellison Park.  (May 09, 2003) The New York Times on the Web
•  Democrat & Chronicle: State to scythe roadside weeds (May 4, 2003) — State highway maintenance crews will begin mowing and spraying roadside vegetation in Orleans, Wayne and Ontario counties this week, weather permitting, the state Department of Transportation said.  (May 4, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: City trees benefited from lessons of '91 — City trees may have weathered the Ice Storm of 2003 with greater success than those in outlying areas because of lessons learned from the Ice Storm of 1991. After that storm wreaked havoc with Rochester’s trees, city officials adopted a controversial strategy called “hazardous mitigation.” (April 12, 2003) —Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Peripheral issues keep felling timber-theft bill — ALBANY — It seems like increasing penalties for timber theft would be a no-brainer. After all, the fines, as low as $10 a tree, haven’t changed in nearly 100 years. But bills to do that have routinely died in the state Legislature -- because lawmakers keep gumming up the bill with peripherally related, controversial items, activists say. (April 12, 2003) —Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Ogden man faces penalty for cutting down trees — OGDEN — The owner of one of Monroe County’s largest wetlands faces Department of Environmental Conservation fines after clearing a 1,900-foot-long path of trees in parts of the federally protected property. (March 3, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Primer available on altered crops February 18, 2003) — GENEVA — The state Agricultural Experiment Station and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have put out a new guide, “Agricultural Biotechnology: Informing the Dialogue,” to serve as a primer on the issue of genetically engineered crops. The 28-page color brochure is being distributed to high school science teachers in New York state, state and federal legislators, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators in New York, and grower, food, industry and consumer groups across the country.  (February 18, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: FLCC to give wildland fire training— HOPEWELL — The fires come in the summer months, when western New York forests and fields can get tinder dry. And fighting those wildland fires is akin to running a marathon. “It’s a lot of hard work and long hours, day after day. It’s very intense, it takes a lot of effort and concentration to get the job done,” said Patrick Dormer, a New York state forest ranger based in Naples.  (January 26, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  The call of the wild at Cumming: 'Timber!' SOUTH BRISTOL — Tree harvesting at Cumming Nature Center won't bring in enough money to offset 2003 Monroe County budget cuts, but it will maintain the health of the surrounding forest, officials say.Messenger Post Newspapers

2002

• Man charged with killing trees - A Rochester-area man faces charges that he killed eight trees on a slope overlooking a bay. Town of Irondequoit work crews discovered the damaged trees after residents of a neighborhood complained of hearing chain saw noises.  (October 16, 2002) MSNBC Local News
• Of growing concern in Central N.Y.: Tree theft - Local/Regional - theithacajournal.com - The Ithaca Journal RICHFORD -- They may not be very portable, but hardwood trees are profitable -- and that incentive has led several to disappear from area forests. The value of cherry, ash, maple and oak trees has climbed as the housing market has flourished, which is why, officials said, timber theft sprouted into a problem for Central New York landowners over the past decade.(August 29, 2002)  theithacajournal.com - News and Information from Ithaca and Tompkins County, New York - The Ithaca Journal
• Democrat & Chronicle: Twin oaks planted to mark Arbor Day — Twin oak trees were planted Friday outside the Genesee Lighthouse with the ceremonial help of students from Holy Cross School and Charlotte Middle School. The planting was part of Rochester's Arbor Day festivities. (April 26, 2002)  DemocratandChronicle.com
• Democrat & Chronicle: Lost trees stir discontent — Wayne Klumpp's West Brook Road back yard used to have a scenic view of the lush vegetation lining the old Erie Canal path that runs along the rear of his property. But in February, crews working for Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. mowed down a 20- to 40-foot swath of trees and brush along the mile-long trail, and now Klumpp has a clear line of sight across the trail, into yards on Framingham Lane. "This is the first time ever I can see the houses," he said. (April 24, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
• State Farmer Census Officials are trying to identify New Yorkers who qualify as farmers without knowing it. The state is gearing up for a once-every-five-year federal Census of Agriculture. Screening forms are being mailed to those who grow and market nontraditional agricultural products such as maple syrup, nursery stock, Christmas trees and fish. (April 16, 2002) RNews: News Front - Rochester, NY's Only 24 Hour News
• Rochester to participate in Pacific Flora 2004 Mayor Johnson welcomed the Mayor Kitawaki of Hamamatsu, Japan to create a special friendship garden in Highland Park. The garden will feature Louisiana irises with a magnolia tree overlooking the garden site. (April 14, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
• Democrat & Chronicle: Greenhouse visit offers kids a lesson to grow on — As sure a sign of spring as the red-breasted robin and the yellow-headed daffodil are West Irondequoit kindergarteners digging their fingers in the dirt. Fourteen students from Michelle Aratari's Seneca School kindergarten class took a quick lesson in plant life Monday morning at Genrich's Garden Center, Florist and Greenhouse (April 9, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
• The Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District is preparing for the Annual Seedling Sale, during which area residents will be offered quality, low cost seedling to enhance our natural environment. Orders should be placed by March 15th and pickup will be on April 19th and 20th at the Ontario County Fairgrounds in Canandaigua. For further information, or to obtain an order form, call (585) 396-1450. (March 14, 2002) The Town Crier News -- http://www.thetowncrier.com PO Box 1020, Geneva, NY 14456 1-800-252-4461
• Residents will miss the maples A dozen dead trees in Shortsville have been removed for safety reasons. SHORTSVILLE - For 45 years, George Schaertl and his wife, Sally, have enjoyed the row of silver maple trees that line the area around their home on Main Street  (February 21, 2002) Daily Messenger

2001

• Greece receives 'Tree City' honors It is the fourth time the town has earned an award.  The Town of Greece recently was presented with the Tree City USA Award for the fourth consecutive year.  The town also earned the Tree City Growth Award for its second consecutive year. The Town Board received the awards in December, for the town's efforts and accomplishments to assess, maintain and improve Greece's approximately 30,000 trees. The Growth Award, which recognizes environmental improvement and encourages higher levels of tree care and education acknowledged Greece's work to educate residents about importance of trees to the town's environment. (Wednesday, January 16, 2002) Greece Post
• Plan to keep that Norfolk inside Norfolk pines are an economical Christmas tree option but won't survive if planted outdoors GENEVA - For some, the impulse to adapt their traditions to reflect environmental concerns is irresistible. But that doesn't mean it's always a good idea. (Wednesday, December 19, 2001) Finger Lakes Times
• Suburban town: Save the trees Brighton adopted a law to require that developers show how projects would affect trees. BRIGHTON - The Town Board in this Rochester suburb passed a law recently that requires the town - and some developers - to keep track of trees. (Thursday, November 29, 2001) Daily Messenger
• Area's organic farming displays healthy growth Skepticism has faded as Finger Lakes joins international boom  (Saturday, October 27, 2001) - -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Organic farming takes root in region In the mid-1990s, struggling to survive on the farm inherited from his father, Klaas Martens and his wife, Mary-Howell, took a chance and started growing organic grains. (Friday, October 26, 2001) --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Charlotte fest rooted in oak -- When a tree falls in Charlotte, it makes an enduring noise. Charlotte residents have used the felling of an approximately 300-year-old red oak as a reason to start a community festival that could become an annual fall event. (Sunday, October 14, 2001)  -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Ecologists find old forest at Hemlock  A 415-acre tract in lakeside ravines has 500-year-old trees -- About 415 acres of woods on the southwest shore of Hemlock Lake are untouched, ancient old-growth forest and may constitute the largest such tract in western New York. (Monday, September 24, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Brighton pursuing Tree City USA status BRIGHTON - Brighton officials are considering a new law that would promote the planting of trees to replenish the landscape of this inner-ring suburb. At a public hearing last night, the Town Board unveiled a proposed law to create an urban forestry program, something that could earn Brighton the title of Tree City USA. (Thursday, August 23, 2001) - -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Toxic Weed Playing Havoc In Ontario County  Canadice, NY - A toxic weed is taking hold in a small town in Ontario County. Residents of Canadice have posted different messages online regarding their concerns and to describe their sightings of giant hogweed. (Friday, August 17, 2001)  iKnowRochester.com
• Early hopes for crops wither Yesterday's rain provided some much needed relief to area farmers, but it could be too little, too late. Farmers say the hot, dry summer has wilted much of their crops, yielding a harvest that will be half of what was expected.  (Friday, August 17, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Aid package available for farmers  Sign-ups begin Aug. 13. CANANDAIGUA - The Ontario County Farm Service Agency recently announced that farmers can sign up for the Quality Loss Program beginning Aug. 13. The same-day sign-up also begins for a separate quality loss program that will provide up to $38 million for apple and potato growers. Both programs compensate farmers who suffered at least 20 percent in the quality of their crop. (Wednesday, August 8, 2001) Daily Messenger
• County urged to stop using herbicides -- Local environmental activists want Monroe County to stop spraying herbicides along area roadsides. The county this week is spraying to kill weeds and growth along guardrails throughout the county. (Tuesday, August 7, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Future Farmers Or Not? Rain, or the lack of it, is one of many issues facing farmers. Issues -- which threaten the future of some farms. (Friday, August 3, 2001) RNews.
• Herbicides may be applied to wetlands -- Nine state-protected wetlands in Chili, Henrietta, Perinton and Pittsford may soon get a dose of herbicides. (Thursday, July 26, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Soybean pests found in local fields ITHACA - A potentially destructive insect that turned up in soybeans fields in the Midwest last summer has been detected in Central and Western New York. Cornell University entomologists said Tuesday they have found low numbers of soybean aphids near Canandaigua in Ontario County, near Interlaken in Seneca County, near Clyde, Rose, and Red Creek in Wayne County; and in Milo in Yates County, as well as in Cayuga, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Oswego and Tompkins counties. (Thursday, July 26, 2001) Finger Lakes Times
• Can't see the forests for the thieves ALBANY-- Increased penalties are needed to reduce the amount of timber theft, a problem that has become more visible as the value of wood has increased, according to a new legislative report. (Tuesday, July 24, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Community garden planted - The American Red Cross Youth Service Corps cleaned up parts of Joseph and Clifford Avenues Friday afternoon as part of the Fleet All Stars Program. (Saturday, July 14, 2001) WHEC
• City trees are living lessons for foresters - History, not botany, was the first lesson yesterday during a Rochester conference of foresters who specialize in city trees. (Saturday, July 14, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
• Flower Power in downtown Geneva The Geneva Business Improvement District’s Adopt-A-Bed program has more than 80 participants this year. The second annual Flower Power Contest begins today and runs through July 25. This bed is at Seneca and Linden streets. (Andrea Deckert)  If you think downtown has more Flower Power than ever before, you're not imagining things. (Friday, July 13, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
• Aged giant falls in Charlotte 300-year-old oak is removed -- right before foresters meet. The oak, 15 feet around at its base, is possibly the oldest in the city. It was damaged when hit by lightning in 1999.-- On Lighthouse Street in Charlotte yesterday, city of Rochester forestry technician Richard Rebar watched a crew of men reluctantly undo 300 years of arboreal history. (Wednesday, July 11, 2001) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE