Topic Titles and Descriptions of Presentations
"Common
Horticultural Concerns (out on the lawn, back in the
garden and up in the tree)"This
presentation will include seasonal horticultural tips on lawn,
garden and tree care for the home owner. After presenting
these well researched topics on the home landscape, time will
be given for questions on any horticultural topic. Lawn
care, tree selection and diseases, insect pests and pesticide
use, Ornamental and vegetable garden culture, and soils can
be the range of inquiry.
"Common Insect Pests of the Home Landscape and their Management" Knowing the common insect pest around the home property is the first step in pest management. Knowing what is not is also important. Understanding the life cycles and how they can be used to safely control insect infestations are also an important part of what is called Integrated Pest Manaement. Although the right insecticide at the right time can be helpful, this presentation will also cover cultural and biological alternatives for preventing out breaks of insect pests. Also, common insect pest species will be listed and specific managemnt tools that are effective in their control.
"Gypsy
Moth Infestation in the Fox Valley (what the home owner can
do)"The
defoliation of Oaks, Birch, Basswood and Maples that began
four years ago in the Fox Valley will most assuredly spread
to new locations in the Valley this coming summer. Monitoring
for their early presence, and suppressing their numbers safely,
will save many highly valued trees from further stress and
decline that may, in time, cause their death. This program
will help home owners to understand and control Gypsy Moth
infestations in their neighborhoods.
"Invasive Plants (Loosestrife, Buckthorn, Garlic Mustard and others)"Since international commerce and travel has become common place, so has the introduction of thousands of exotic organisms, large and small. In many cases, these life forms have disrupted the ecological integrity of many natural communities by out-competing native species. Many exotic plants are now at war with natural plant communities and disrupting wildlife habitats, eliminating native forest regeneration, native prairies and highly valued marsh ecosystems. There are weapons available in this war that can hold back or beat back these invaders. The primary weapon however is awareness. A PowerPoint presentation will outline the primary plants that have invaded Wisconsin as well as to present suppression methods.
"Lawn Care"The most recent approved methods of lawn maintenance according to the University of Wisconsin turf grass specialist. This PowerPoint presentation will address the most effective frequencies and times for lawn fertilization and weed control. Insect and disease control and other cultural practices are also addressed along with effective lawn care products.
"Native
Prairies of Wisconsin (their value and restoration)"Unlike
our native Wisconsin forest, the prairie ecosystem is little
known and appreciated in this time. In the settlement
of the Great Plains and into southern Wisconsin, this vast
and diverse system of tall grasses and colorful flowering forbs
supported a profuse variety of insects, birds and mammals. Now
as a remnant of its past, the impressive plants of the prairie
are again becoming appreciated. Great numbers of prairie
restoration projects are beginning to change the un-forested
natural areas in Wisconsin. The can also be restored
in large back yards, in city parks and road sides. This
PowerPoint presentation tells the richness, the history and
the beauty that can be a part of anyone's landscape.
"Shoreline Restoration (for better fishing, wildlife and natural beauty)"The natural shorelines of our lakes and rivers have been severely altered to conform to an urban style. Their transformation into urban style lawns down to the water line, stone break waters and beaches has erased the natural beauty for which lake front owners originally came to the water to see. The original natural landscape of native shoreline plants, in and out of the water, was a buffer to erosion, nutrient pollution and was a haven for all the small creatures that feed native fish and fowl of the aquatic ecosystem. There are now restoration means available that can return water front properties to productivity and natural beauty. This PowerPoint presentation, produced by the DNR, will demonstrate and promote a new awareness and appreciation of the natural shoreline, which is compatible with waterfront living.
"Soils 101 for the Home Owner" This 60 minute program initially covers the fundamental components of soil. These fundamental components (organic and inorganic) vary in proportion to create different soil types. The primary mineral components are then explained as factors that determine soil fertility. The pH of soil is also covered as a limiting factor that controls what minerals are available to plants. Finally, the techniques of soil sampling and testing are explained along with tips on how to interpret and apply the soil analysis report to your own garden.
"Tree Mulching -- An Advantage in Arbor Culture" This 25 minute presentation illustrates and explains the physical and biological advantage of mulching young and old trees with either bark or wood chip mulch. It initially presents the important differences between the formation of natural forest soils and soils found under the typical turf grass in a homeowner’s yard. The concept is then advanced that mulching creates a more superior forest soil condition that enhances tree health. Data backs up the concept by showing important beneficial differences in moisture, pH, nitrogen sources and mycorrhizal fungi for the mulched trees. Proper mulching techniques are also covered.
"Urban Tree Care (selecting, culturing, diseases and insect pests)" Urban landscaping is an important homeowner investment and tree purchase is a major part of it. Selecting the right tree species for the right site is one third of the task. Proper planting and caring for new trees is the right tree species for the right site is one third of the task. Proper planting and caring for new trees is the next third for creating a valued, enduring landscape, compatible with the environment over the natural life of trees. The final third is an awareness of the many insects, diseases and other environmental stresses that may put trees in decline. this very visual presentation will instruct home owner on the important elements of maintaining these highly valued parts of the urban landscape.
"Using native Plants in Landscaping Your Properties" Using indigenous plants to landscape home properties can restore a more natural beauty that can achieve many goals. Native plants in the landscape are more durable, require less care, and are far superior in attracting birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Furthermore, these plants bring the land owner in closer tough with the natural world and produce enduring beauty throughout the four seasons. Using native prairie plants in the garden, reforesting portions of lots, constructing rain gardens, and restoring original shorelines to lakefront properties are encouraged by this presentation.
Nature
Appreciation Topics. . .
"Spring
Flowers of Wisconsin" Spring
is a glorious time of life's renewal. One of the most
exciting parts of springs coming is the emergence of the smaller
herbs that bloom in Wisconsin's woodlands (spring ephemerals). A
photographic emergence of the smaller herbs that boom in Wisconsin's
woodlands (spring ephemerals). A photographic slide presentation
will present these spr4ing beauties from many different views
as they appear from April through early June.
"Ruffed
Grouse (its life cycle and ecology)"One
of the most intriguing and abundant game birds in the state
is the Ruffed Grouse. The presentation follows this highly
prized game bird throughout the seasons and the development
of its habitat through the years. Also portrayed are
the interrelationship with the larger biotic community, its
foods, and its predators. All of this is illustrated
with photographic slides.
"The
Biology of the Sugar Maple Three and Maple Syrup Production"The
annual cycle of sap rising in Maple trees brings some to the
Maple groves to harvest this tree nectar. The chemistry
of photosynthesis and the structural botany of woody plants
will explain this spring phenomena. All the while the
mystery of the unique flavor of the final product (syrup) remains. Photographic
slides can reveal the beauty in the function of woody plants
and this annual ritual of maple syruping.
"Tree
Flowers of Our Native Forest Trees"All
plants that produce flowers do so for reproduction from seed. Misunderstood
by many is the fact that this includes all of our deciduous
forest threes such as Maple, Oak, Ash and Birch. Although
many of these tree flowers are miniature and without petals,
some have a special beauty and all result in the same products,
seed and fruit. A variety of photographic slides will
illuminate this idea and open the viewer to a new world of
spring flowers.
"The Natural History and Botany of Bogs" The acidic bogs of north woods Wiconsin are perhaps the most exotic of natural communities. Created in the retreat of the last lacier, a small group plants that are of artic origian and have adapted to the harsh environment of an acidic, stagnant, mineral poor basin. The origin of the bog, its natural succession and the exotic plants adapted to its condition are depicted in this presentation.
|
