Tree Planting at the Elk and Bison Prairie

Tree Planting at the Elk and Bison Prairie

Submitted by Yvonne Helton, Silviculturist We recently planted approximately 1500 shortleaf pine and 70 Bur Oak seedlings within the perimeter of the Elk & Bison Prairie. We chose areas where pine mortality occurred and staff burned off debris piles. So why did we plant Shortleaf Pine?  We value fire tolerant traits such as its ability to re-sprout and natural resistance to fire scar rot.  Shortleaf Pine also produces frequent cone crops. These attributes suit the Elk & Bison Prairie perfectly. Shortleaf Pine may also create a more diverse habitat.  We observed declines of Virginia Pine in the Elk & Bison…
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Why do Leaves Change Colors?

Why do Leaves Change Colors?

Submitted by Dennis Wilson, Forester at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Colors The easiest way to explain why leaves change colors has to do with the time of year. The longer and cooler nights trigger the changing colors and falling leaves. None of the other environmental influences – such as temperature, rainfall, food supply – are as unvarying as the steadily increasing length of night during autumn. As days grow shorter, and nights grow longer and cooler, biochemical processes in the leaf begin to paint the landscape with Nature's autumn palette. A color palette needs pigments, and there…
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