In Which Tree?

If you have ever found yourself birding with friends who are unable to competently state the location of a bird... you might relate to this little animated film by Laura Kammermeier.

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Laura is friend and past OOS Board member with many talents: web design, blogger extraordinaire, travel-meister, and now a cartoonist as well! Awesome.

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Anyway, you will want to see how she addresses the problem of a friend who can only say, "Over there. In that tree."

Do they all look the same to you?

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All the more reason for a little dendrology. Be kind to your botanical friends, and let's start with the basics. Is it an evergreen or deciduous tree? Winter tree with leaves? Probably an oak, or possibly a young beech. White and green flaky bark, growing along a river? Try sycamore.

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Tree identification is not only handy for locating and sharing birds (which are excessively fond of trees, I might add.) Trees greatly enhance our lives, and not just as lumber, paper or mulch.

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Eastern Redbud, Shawnee Forest

Think about the sap flowing in sugar maples this week and the tasty syrup you like to pour on pancakes. Or what about those beautiful spring-flowering trees- like Eastern Redbud?

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If you ever wanted to learn more about trees, especially some of the specialty species in southern Ohio, Jim McCormac has just the program for you. He'll be the kick off speaker for Flora-Quest, with another educational and entertaining program, 'The Forest from the Trees: Woody Players in a Sylvan Sea.'

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Trees won't all seem the same after Jim gives you the low-down. You might even begin to recognize the forest by its trees! Hope to see you there!