They learn that Indiana is a world leader in the production of quality hardwoods and that trees help condition the air— in fact produce the very air we breathe.
Along with digital scenes of wide-open park vistas, I hope visitors leave with a greater appreciation of this place, these trees. Like many other autumns in Brown County, trees take precedence— they are willingly included in family pictures, picnics and admired along walks down leafy trails.
A recent documentary revealed the bark of only certain Italian and Tuscany oak trees are worthy of use in the production of cork for wines made in their quality vineyards. Southern Indiana veneer plants are occasionally highlighted in world news reports. Antique shows claim the high value and worth of walnut, cherry, and oak in furniture, musical instruments, and family heirlooms.
It’ s difficult to imagine a world without trees— might I add, impossible.
Still, diseases, stress, and climate-associated problems with trees continue to take their toll on many forested landscapes. The Emerald Ash Borer, attacking both green and white ash, has the potential to negatively impact approximately 11 % of the Indiana forest. Drought from previous years has caused white and red oak to decline. Leaf wilt and diebacks from the scale insect still show up in tulip poplar and other common species.
Leafy gaps exist now in some of the park’ s widespread, multi-colored canopy. Sunlight can now be observed in areas on the once-shaded forest floor, bathing acorns, nuts, and seeds that struggle for space. The mighty oak growing from a tiny acorn is a marvel in itself. Seeing it compete with the more common beech and maples— shade-tolerant and less in wildlife value— has given resource managers more reason to encourage its survival. Prescribed fire and thinning has been used in some back-country areas to assist the oaks.
Marketable, renewable, and recyclable, this forested Hoosier resource is one to be forever treasured and managed effectively. We can all be conscientious forest stewards on our own land, working for a sustainable income, while encouraging beauty, ecologic value, and Brown County’ s future leaf-watchers. •
• Ivy Tech Programs
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Quickbooks Training
• Computer Classes
Gifts for home and happiness
French Country Décor Locally Made Items • Quilts Brown County Redware Pottery Madeline’ s Famous Soy Candles
Calvin Place, Van Buren & Franklin Streets Nashville • 812.988.6301
madelinesfrenchcountry @ gmail. com
• GED
• Electrical
• Solar Energy
• Work One
246 E. Main St. Nashville, IN •( 812) 988-5880 Visit our website www. bccrc. net for the schedule.
Lunch Served Daily • Bubble Tea available
Sept./ Oct. 2014 • Our Brown County 63