Lichen: That Stuff Growing on Your Tree

By Steve Roark
As a forester, I often get asked tree health questions, and one involves flat blotches stuff growing on well-established yard trees. It’s often blue-green but can come in other colors. These are Lichens, of which there are many species, have found a niche where they can grow off the ground and away from competing plants. They are perfectly happy living in the high-rise apartment provided by tree trunks, especially in deep shade areas. Most older trees in our area have at least one small colony of lichen growing somewhere.

UC FCE kicks off the year

Union County FCE began 2025 with an engaging January meeting that highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness. Chase Filip from the American Red Cross served as the guest speaker, delivering an informative presentation on how to be ready for unexpected emergencies. Members learned essential tips, such as the need for at least three days’ worth of food, water and medicine per person in an emergency kit.

The Type of Workstation You Use Can Make a Difference in Your Health and Productivity: part II

Researchers at Texas A & M University gathered demographic data on workers and information on how they used office equipment such as footrests, monitor arms, keyboard trays or anti fatigue mats at their workstation. They also collected data on the amount of time the workers spent standing at their workstation and their use of a sit-stand or stand- biased workstation. Participants were asked about discomfort in the neck, upper back, lower back, shoulder, wrist and hand, hips, knees, and ankles and feet.

Snow

I’ve lived in a lot of places and under a lot of different living conditions in my long life. Snow anywhere has never been an issue. I’ve driven in snow and often kept a shovel and sand in the car or truck, just in case I got stuck. I have been stuck a few times, but I always managed to use the shovel, sand, cardboard, and ice melt to get unstuck. Nope, not worried about driving in snow. And I have often lived remotely. Very remotely. Once with only a woodstove and kerosene lamps, a half mile from the nearest plowed road.

United Way Volunteer

I have always been a volunteer. For instance, it pains me to see others go without. The Great Depression marks a person. It was only natural that I would become involved in the United Way.

I do not remember how it came about, but l found myself on the United Way's Speakers Bureau in Jackson, Michigan under the direction of Charlotte Minnette. She trained me in the art of public speaking. Armed with campaign literature, l was sent out to various working class job sites"

Tomato Salad

In a large bowl, combine vegetables. Add salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the corn oil, wine vinegar and sugar. Pour over vegetables and marinate 1 hour or more

Gardening class to prepare for spring and summer gardens

Join Us for a 2-Part Gardening Class at the Union County Extension Office!
Part 1: Raised Bed Gardening
Learn the basics of designing, building, and maintaining raised garden beds to create a successful and productive garden.
• Wednesday, February 5 at 4:30 p.m. OR
• Friday, February 7 at 10 a.m.
Part 2: Vegetable Planning, Planting, and Growing
Discover tips and techniques for selecting, planting, and nurturing your vegetable garden for a bountiful harvest.
• Wednesday, February 12th at 4:30 p.m. OR
• Friday, February 14th at 10 a.m.

A Thorny Subject

My job as a forester was a blessing that allowed me to get out and enjoy the beauty of our woods and fields and get paid for it. But there were plants out there that would suck some of the joy of being outside. Plants that can make you bleed because of their thorns; things like blackberry, escaped rose bushes, and my worst nemesis: sawbriar. I’ve come off wildfires with literally every square inch of my legs scratched from these painful vines.