plants news

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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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