April 2023 | Volume 28 | Issue 2
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Callery Pear Officially Invasive
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The small white flowers, that are one of the first to bloom in the spring, are the main attraction for the invasive Callery Pear. Photo courtesy of OSU Extension.
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Broc Sehen, Wildlife Specialist - Spring is upon us and the leaves and flowers have begun to bud. There is one species we hope to see less this year and into the future, the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana). This is due to Ohio’s recent ban of the species that went into effect January 7th, 2023. The Callery pear was placed on the Ohio Invasive Plants List making it illegal to plant, grow, propagate, or sell the species including its cultivars such as Bradford, Cleveland, Select, and Chanticlee, etc.
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Under the new ban, nurseries and garden centers must destroy remaining stock, and homeowners and landscapers may not purchase or install new ones. You don't have to remove an existing Callery pear in your yard; however, there are several reasons to replace it.
Callery pear is a small, deciduous flowering tree native to China that was originally brought to the U.S. as a source of resistance to the disease, fire blight (Erwinia amylovora). It became popular as a landscape tree for its white flowers, site adaptability, and compact size. Individual trees cannot self-pollinate but will hybridize with other Pyrus calleryana selections, native, or domesticated pears, resulting in a fertile fruit. This resulted in the trees' spread by birds and wildlife, which soon choked native plants and invaded disturbed areas and forests.
Unwanted spreading and takeover of abandoned and disturbed areas isn’t the only issue surrounding Callery pear. Storm damage is a common problem with the species due to its rapid growth rate and dense branching structure. Other issues include the unpleasant smell associated with the flowers in the spring, the low nutritional benefit provided to wildlife from the fruit, and the slow decomposition rate associated with the waxy leaves.
If you are interested in planting alternatives, there are several native options that can replace the showy white spring flowers of the Callery pear.
• Serviceberry (Amelachier spp.) is a small tree or shrub that produces early white flowers in spring while the leaves change from a blue/green to red/orange making for beautiful fall colors. The fruit is also more beneficial for wildlife.
• The White Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Alba') makes for a fine Callery pear substitute. This 15’-25’ foot tree produces thousands of white pea shaped flowers in the spring which start to bloom just after the Serviceberry.
• The White Crabapple (Malus spp.) also replaces Callery pear’s white blooms and provides a more nutritional fruit to wildlife later in the season.
For information about native plants and taking action against invasive species, call the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District 740-852-4003 and ask for Broc Sehen, Wildlife Specialist, or visit the Be the Change page on our website at www.madisonsoilandwater.com.
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Stands of Callery pear like this one can be seen all over Ohio, in disturbed areas, roadsides, and marginal lands, pointing out the issues with leaving this species unchecked. Photo courtesy of OSU Extension.
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Pollinator Plug Sale—In cooperation with Muskingum SWCD |
The Madison SWCD is hosting a pollinator plug sale for farmers and gardeners interested in enhancing the function and beauty of their landscape by planting native flowers, which attract beneficial pollinators and feed native birds. Pollinators are incredibly important for our food supply. A pollinator is an animal that causes plants to make fruit or seeds by moving pollen from one part of the flower of a plant to another part. Plugs are seedlings that have a root system about 2” deep and 5” wide.
Muskingum SWCD is growing the plugs from seed and they are available for purchase by the tray. Each tray holds approximately 48 plugs. The trays will be mixed with the following species, subject to availability:
Butterfly Milkweed Common Milkweed Swamp Milkweed
Purple Coneflower Rattlesnake Master Wild Bergamot
Wild Blue Indigo Smooth Blue Aster New England Aster
Rough Blazing Star Grassed-Leaved Goldenrod Spotted Bee Balm
Each tray is $60. Orders are due by April 27th. Payment is due at time of pickup at the Madison SWCD office in late May/early June—customers will be notified of the pickup date once known. An order form may be obtained by visiting our website or by calling 740-852-4003.
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Camp Canopy-Ohio Forestry & Wildlife Conservation Camp Scholarship |
The Madison SWCD is pleased to offer scholarship funding from Heiner Gantenbrink Farms for 2023 Camp Canopy, held June 11-16, 2023 at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carroll County. This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn about Ohio’s forests, wildlife, conservation, tree identification, ecology and much more.
Students entering their freshman year through seniors graduating this year are welcome to apply. Contact Gail Wilson at gail.wilson@oh.nacdnet.net for an application or for more information. Applications due by May 5, 2023.
Visit https://campcanopy.com/ or call 1-888-388-7337 to learn all about camp.
Also, college scholarships will be awarded to top scorers on the final exam at camp. These scholarships are offered by Ohio State, Ohio University, Hocking College, and OFA and must be used to pursue an education in the natural resources field.
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Upcoming OSU Extension Events |
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Welcome to our new District Technician, Megan Sweeney! |
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Megan Sweeney is the District Technician and joined the Madison SWCD in 2023. She worked for Montgomery County SWCD in Indiana for the last year and a half and has experience in meeting with urban and rural landowners to discuss natural resource issues, such as erosion, drainage, pollutants and water quality. Megan looks forward to working with landowners in the county to solve issues, answer questions, and improve natural resources through various conservation practices.
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Windbreaks are for Every Size Homesite |
Jane Ketzley, Madison County Master Gardener - You do not need acres of land or a huge yard to be interested in a windbreak. Even one tree in the right spot can be considered a windbreak. Although a farmstead is perfect for long windbreaks, suburban lots are great places for the judicious planting of several mixed trees and shrubs to cut down on winter winds and summer sun.
Beyond simple wind protection, there are many good reasons for planting a windbreak. They can be used to define property lines and provide privacy in smaller areas. A well-designed windbreak will reduce soil erosion, control blowing snow, protect structures, and provide food, shelter and homes for songbirds, pollinators and wildlife. They are a beautiful addition to the landscape and can provide flowers and year-round color.
Location is important when planting a windbreak. Usually, the north and west sides of the property are best for interrupting prevailing winds,but it will depend on your particular site. Be certain the trees are planted at a sufficient distance from any structure to not cause damage. Also, it is always a temptation to plant trees too close together so that they look better, faster. Instead, plant for mature size, allowing room for root spread and air circulation. Particularly when planting evergreens, air circulation is critical for reducing the fungal diseases, which can quickly turn a beautiful tree into an eyesore.
Plant selection is critical in a windbreak. Single-species, straight-line plantings are never recommended. The devastation caused by Dutch Elm disease and emerald ash borer are great examples of the folly behind one-species plantings. A staggered or grouped mixture of conifers plus some hardwoods is best, and the addition of shrubs will extend and improve the break. Choosing native plants will increase the odds of survival and also attract more wildlife. There are many internet resources with recommendations for tree and shrub selection.
Once planted, a windbreak needs only basic upkeep. Weed suppression is important, especially in the early years. Regular water during dry spells for smaller plantings will greatly improve survival. In large plantings there will usually be some plants that will need to be replaced every year. This is another reason why a mixed planting is advantageous. The new plant will not look out of place in a more mature setting.
Whether it is hundreds of feet long or a few trees and shrubs in the corner of your lot, a well-designed windbreak will improve the appearance and comfort of your home, provide food and shelter for wildlife, improve soil and air quality, and it will increase the monetary value of your home.
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A Summary of Ohio's 2022-2023 White-Tailed Deer Hunting Season |
Matt Teders, ODNR State Wildlife Officer - Ohio’s 2022-23 white-tailed deer hunting season concluded Sunday, February 5, with 210,977 deer checked, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The final total represents all deer harvested during archery, gun, muzzleloader, and youth hunting seasons since Sept. 10, 2022. “Ohio is consistently one of the nation’s best states for deer hunting, and this season reaffirmed that status,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Ohio hunters have enjoyed a long season with many chances to get afield.
Ohio’s 2022-23 statewide deer harvest totals, by individual season are as follows: Archery: 99,742; Gun: 87,095; Muzzleloader: 13,617; Youth: 9,515; and Controlled Hunts: 1,008 (see graph below).
Top 5 counties for 2022-23 deer harvest are as follows: Coshocton (7,590), Tuscarawas (7,028), Muskingum (5,982), Ashtabula (5,592) and Knox (5,477).
Most popular hunting implements: Crossbow: 71,701 (34%), Straight-walled cartridge rifle: 56,437 (26%); Shotgun: 36,398 (17%); Vertical Bow: 28,041 (13%); Muzzleloader: 17,854 (9%) and Handgun: 546 (1%).
Deer harvest, by type: Bucks: 86,645; 41% of the total, Does: 101,141; 48% Button bucks: 19,851; 9%; Bucks with shed antlers and bucks with antlers less than 3 inches: 3,340; 2%
Ohio hunters purchased 409,672 permits across all hunting seasons. Hunters from all 50 U.S. states purchased deer permits in Ohio for use in the 2022-23 seasons.
Hunting drives $866 million of spending in Ohio each year through the sale of food, equipment, fuel, lodging, and more. An estimated 479,000 hunters enjoy the state’s excellent outdoor recreation each year. The economic benefits of hunting-related industries translate to 15,500 jobs in Ohio, $68 million in state and local taxes, and $753 million of the state’s GDP.
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Ohio’s 2022-23 statewide deer harvest, by individual season |
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SWCD Staff
Julia Cumming, Program Administrator
Broc Sehen, District Technician
Megan Sweeney, District Technician
Gail Wilson, Operation Coordinator
NRCS Staff
James Tillman, District Conservationist Zach Rusk, Soil Conservationist
Board of Supervisors
Steve Davis, Chairman
Jonathan Francis, Vice Chairman
Bob Hunter, Treasurer
David Junk
Nancy Denes-Sparks
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| 04/12 - SWCD Board Meeting
04/25 - Area IV Envirothon
04/27 - Deadline to order pollinator plugs
05/10 - SWCD Board Meeting
05/29 - Memorial Day Holiday - office closed
Madison Soil & Water Conservation District
831 U.S. Highway 42 NE
London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-4003 opt. 3
www.madisonsoilandwater.com www.facebook.com/madisonswcdohio
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All NRCS/MSWCD programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap. Please contact Gail Wilson at gail.wilson@oh.nacdnet.net if you wish to be put on or removed from our email list.
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