Do you know what life forms live both above ground and below at the same time?  Here is a hint; these organisms produce food, fiber & shelter for both humans & animals.  They can grow taller than a four story building, or be trimmed small enough to be kept in your home?  We are talking about trees of course!
 

Mark your calendars for a FREE tree planting seminar to be held Wednesday Feb. 7, 2012 at 6:00 PM hosted by the St. Joseph County Soil & Water Conservation District. Trees are amazing organisms, and when planted in the right areas they can be useful tools as well!  Did you know that if you plant the proper tree in the correct place in your yard, it will help cool your home via shade from the summer sun?  That same tree could also help keep your house warm in the winter by blocking bitterly cold winds.  Depending on what type of tree you plant, you could also get some food in the form of nuts or fruit.  Those same nuts & fruit may also attract some wildlife you can enjoy watching as they eat some tasty treats from your tree. 

Larger areas of planted trees can be very useful for very different reasons than trees that are planted individually in your yard.  Large areas of trees can help reduce soil erosion on steep hill sides, provide habitat for various wildlife, and provide numerous possibilities for recreation.  To ensure that a large area of planted trees remains healthy it needs to be properly maintained, with help from a private consulting forester or a state forester.  This maintenance may include thinning and responsible timber harvests as the trees grow and mature, in order to allow younger trees the needed light & space to begin the next generation in a forest.  The responsible timber harvests can also provide VERY significant sources of revenues to land owners, as well as a needed source of raw materials to society, such as lumber for new homes.
 

If you would like more information about planting trees then plan to attend this seminar.  The seminar will, at the Centre Township Branch of the St. Joseph County Library, located on the corner of Miami and Kern Rd. Guest Speaker Joe Long of J K Tree Farms in North Liberty, IN will be talking on selection and planting methods for various tree species. For more information or to register contact the SWCD office at 574-291-7444 ext. 3.