There is a great deal of construction goin on in the tri-state. Road widening, underground utility installation, and more are occuring throughout the greater Evansville area. Additionaly, I see a lot of people beginning to build homes in wooded areas, without regard to the safety and health of existing trees. Trees do not respond well to site changes, especially when soil is added (or removed) from over the root system.
In many situations where road widening or utility work is occurring, there is little we can do to protect the trees. In these situations, I strongly urge tree owners to have me come out and do a tree appraisal, so that you can be fairly compensated for the eventual loss of your trees.
If you are planning on building in a wooded area, or even adding on to your current house near existing trees, I can help protect the trees. Based on the size of the trees, I can develop a Protected Root Zone which will prevent lethal injury to the tree’s root system. This may require changing your placement of structures and driveways, it may require removal of certain trees in order to protect others. This type of consulting must be performed BEFORE construction begins! Once the damage is done, it cannot be repaired.
I’m Here to Help!
If you have questions or wish to have me visit your property, please contact me! Phone and Text Messages: 812-449-7067 Email: Larry@CaplanTree.com
Vanderburgh County CISMA and Wesselman Woods (WW) are teaming up to remove invasive species in our area and we need your help! Join us and help our efforts to remove weeds and invasive species at WW and Howell Wetlands (HW) this year.
Many of you have successfully created your own wildflower sanctuary. Setting aside a part of your lawn for a plot of wildflowers is a great way to help wildlife and add a unique kind of beauty to your home. It is relatively simple to do and Tri-State Creation Care will show you how as well as provide the seed.
You have your choice of two workshops. Both are hybrid events. You can attend in person at All Saints Church (704 N. 1st Ave) on Thursday April 28 at 6:30pm, or in person at Central Library in Browning Room a at 10am on Saturday April 30, or attend either session on-line. The program is free and welcome to all. Please help expand our movement by inviting family and friends.
Celebrate everything that makes trees amazing by picking up a free native tree seedling and getting planting advice from Sycamore Land Trust at our Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at Old National Bank atrium on Friday, April 30, 2022, starting at 11am
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Friday, April 29, 11am – 2pm Old National Bank atrium One Main Street, Evansville
Wild Birds Unlimited and Ancient Roots Native Nursery will also be present with free giveaways. Information will be available from Evansville Audubon Society and Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. The event will begin at 11am Central time (10am Eastern) and end when supplies run out.
On Saturday, April 23 from 11am – 1pm in the Browning Room of the Central Library at 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy (DAACE)will be presenting:
ENERGY FOR ALL TOWN HALL
Join us to collaborate on ideas to fight back against CenterPoint’s high bills.
Catch up on DAACE’s actions, learn how to get involved, find resources to help with your bills. Together, let’s speak and think freely about what CenterPoint has been able to do to southwestern Indiana.
Wednesday, May 11th 1-3 PM CDT (2-4 PM EDT) 5000 Waterworks Rd Evansville, IN 47725
Target Invasive Species: Garlic Mustard
This invasive plant out competes native plants & lowers biodiversity. Learn how to identify and control this plant at our preserves and green spaces at home.
WEED WRANGLE INDIANA is part of a national movement to highlight the importance of managing invasive species and celebrate our native plant communities. Each event is a hands-on opportunity that includes invasive species identification and management techniques to support native plants, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife that require healthy green spaces. By engaging our community, we strive to build a sustainable network dedicated to keep areas free of invasive plants.
I’ve seen a lot of winter injury on evergreens this spring, especially on arbor vitae, junipers, and rhododendrons. Most of this is desiccation injury. Basically, cold, dry wind wicks the water out of the leaves/needles of evergreens, drying them out. Because of frozen soil or dry conditions, the plant cannot take up enough water to replace the missing moisture. As a result, the foliage turns a bronze/brown color.
Desiccation injury/scorch on rhododendron leaves
Much of this tissue is dead, and will need to be snipped off, but the plant itself is probably going to survive quite well.
There may be other things causing browning needles, including fungal diseases. Please give me a call to check out your plants if you suspect disease or insect problems.
Invasive Species Updates
Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly
As mentioned in my February newsletter, Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect, related to plant hoppers, that was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has spread throughout much of the east coast and New England. This past year, SLF was found in Switzerland County in southeast Indiana. No new updates at this time, but please check out the picture below for life stages, and please visit Penn State for more information: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
Asian Needle Ant Found in Evansville
An invasive ant that can deliver a painful sting has been found in Indiana for the first time, a Purdue University insect expert says. The Asian needle ant has traveled southern states like Florida and Georgia for several years. But if was recently discovered in the Evansville area – the furthest north the ant has ventured, said Timothy Gibb, a Purdue University entomologist.
The Asian needle ant is the first ant in Indiana that has a stinger and venom sac, Gibb said. Gibb said that while he hopes people don’t go into a state of panic about the ant’s arrival in Indiana, they should be aware of the dangers the insect can pose. “It can be lethal.” he said. “In most cases, it’s just going to hurt like crazy.”
For most people, stings from the Asian needle ant will not be harmful, just painful. But people who are hyper=allergic to stings from insects like bees or wasps should be prepared with treatment such as an EpiPen.
The Asian needle ant can infest homes as well as woodland and outdoor areas, putting them in close proximity with people. Because the ant can infest homes, that will increase its ability to survive in Indiana’s cold winter temperatures by protecting it from the extreme cold.
My take on this: these Asian needle ants are not as dangerous or aggressive as fire ants; however, local gardeners should be on the lookout for stinging ants. Be advised that you probably can’t pick up a random ant and identify it as this new invasive species (unless it stings you, of course); however, if you do run into a nest of stinging ants, scoop some up in a jar, stick it in a freezer to kill them, and either report them using the EDDMapS website or app (https://www.eddmaps.org/report/), or contact the DNR: Phone: 1-866 NO EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684); E-mail: depp@dnr.IN.gov.
A Caterpillar By Any Other Name…
The caterpillar pictured above has been known as the Gypsy Moth for well over 100 years. Its scientific name is Lymantria dispar. Recently, the Entomological Society of America changed the common name of to “spongy moth.”
These caterpillars are extremely destructive, and are found throughout the northeastern US. In Indiana, they are restricted to the northeast part of the state. To date, they have not been found in southwestern Indiana. If you ever see a hairy caterpillar with 4 pairs of blue dots, followed by 6 pairs of red dots, contact me, your local extension office, or the DNR/invasive species group listed above in the section on stinging ants.
Poison Hemlock greening up now
Poison hemlock is a biennial weed that is commonly seen in our area, growing along roadsides and in vacant fields. All parts of this plant are poisonous. Coming in contact with the sap can cause severe rashes.
This plant is most easily controlled by mowing it down before it blooms and sets seeds. If you are using weed-eater, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection, as the sap spreads everywhere. A number of herbicides can also be used in mowing is not an option, but again, it must be done now, before the plant goes to seed.
It’s Still Time for Pruning!
If you have fruit trees or small ornamental trees (dogwoods, Japanese maples, etc.) that you want to have pruned, there’s still time to have me come out and do the work. While I usually prefer to do my pruning during the dormant season, it won’t hurt the plants by doing this work now. Please contact me to get a free quote for the work.
If you have large shade trees that need pruning, you need to have a tree company that is licensed with the City of Evansville. For a person/business to prune or remove trees for hire within the City of Evansville, whether on public or private property, they must have a license. If the company does not have a license it means they do not have the appropriate insurance. A list of licensed companies in Evansville can be found here: https://www.evansvillegov.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=2020
I’m Here to Help!
If you have questions or wish to have me visit your property, please contact me!
Love Your Neighbor Day is a day to love Evansville neighbors and neighborhoods. Will you join us?
JOIN US IN TEPE PARK ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Community One and volunteers will gather together in Tepe Park on Saturday, April 30 from 9 AM – 1 PM to learn and serve together.
Volunteer activities include housing restoration and outdoor projects in the park and around the neighborhood. Put your love into action alongside your neighbors! Activities will conclude with refreshment in the park.
Register by April 25 to reserve your spot! Email Andi Miles or call (812) 213-4202 for questions or more information.
The Greenway is Evansville’s Trails System Network
The Greenway is Evansville’s Trails System Network comprised of trail corridors and segments within the Evansville area. Corridors and segments equal approximately 11.7 miles in total. 1.) Riverfront Corridor (1.5 miles) – Completed in 2004, and located along Evansville’s downtown riverfront from old Sunrise Park to Bally’s Casino; the LST, the Marchand Bridge Overlook, and the Shirley James Gateway Plaza are beautiful attractions along the way. 2.) Industrial Corridor (3.5 miles) – Opened in October 2010, the segment traverses through Evansville from Fulton Avenue to the Mid Levee Corridor that begins at Garvin Park. 3.) Mid Levee Corridor (1.7 miles) – This corridor opened in October 2019 and begins at the Heidelbach Canoe Launch and ends at Stringtown Rd. 4.) Hi-Rail Trail (2.5 miles) – Opening in November 2018, this segment begins at the Trailhead located at Riverside Drive and US 41 behind the U-Haul business. It follows along US 41 to Walnut Street. This trail continues across US 41, crosses over the Lloyd Expressway, and ends at East Virginia Street, meeting up with the bike lane that continues to Lynch Rd. 5.) Bob Jones Way (.20 miles) – Completed in August 2018, this multi-use trail segment is located between 4th Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 6.) Vine Street Trail (.7) – Similar to Walnut Street and North Main Street, this multi-use trail segment is located between Second and Third Streets and was completed in 2020. 7.) North Main Street Trail (1 mile) – Open in June 2018, this multi-use trail segment begins at Division Street and ends at Garvin Park. 8.) Virginia Street Trail (.6 miles) – Completed in 2018, this multi-use trail segment was part of the North Main Street trail project and connects from First Avenue to North Main Street. Want to see more? View our LOCAL TRAILSpage.
Bridging Connections Via the I-69 ORX Bridge
The combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision document was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on September 16, 2021. The Evansville Trails Coalition and partners have worked to advocate for safe, separated ADA, and active transportation accommodation in the new bridge design, or for the Southbound Historic US 41 Bridge to be saved as a pedestrian/bicycle designated bridge connecting Evansville, IN, and Henderson, KY. Other bridges across the U.S. have been built with accommodation or saved for ADA, Pedestrian, and Bicycling purposes (such as the I-265 Louisville East End/Lewis & Clark Interstate bridge, or the Big Four Bridge in Louisville, KY). The absence of this consideration and/or inclusion for thru-walkers, wheelers, bikers, and hikers concerns us, as this will result in further connection barriers for generations to come. Future connection opportunities between SW Indiana and NW Kentucky, as well as the national trails system and bicycle routes that use the Ohio River crossing to make the vital connections as a crossing between Evansville, IN and Henderson, KY are at risk. ETC’s Board Members signed a resolution in early March declaring support for this very important ADA, pedestrian, and bicycle accommodation/connection. See more information HERE.
The National Discovery Trails Act 4878
The American Discovery Trail is an east to west coast national trail that runs through Evansville and Southwest Indiana. The National Discovery Trails Act (H.R. 4878) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) on July 30, 2021. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) co-sponsored the bill, signaling that the measure is bi-partisan. The bill would achieve two long-standing goals as initially spelled out by the 1994 National Park Service Study: (1) To make the American Discovery Trail an official part of the US National Trail System, and (2) as part of a new category of the national trail, a Discovery Trail. The bill does not ask for any funds or appropriations. It does not require the US Treasury to spend any public monies. The American Discovery Trail already exists, and countless persons are walking, hiking, or biking it daily. The bill would merely recognize that reality, and making the American Discovery Trail an official part of the US trail system would facilitate public knowledge of and access to the many local routes combined in the American Discovery Trail, the nation’s sole non-motorized, coast-to-coast national trail. ETC supports the bill and features the American Discovery Trail in our local trails list. To learn more about the bill, click HERE.
Did You Know?
A new meta-analysis of 15 studies found that taking more steps a day helps lower the risk of premature death from all causes. For adults younger than 60, the risk of premature death leveled off at about 8,000-10,000 steps per day. For adults 60 and older, the risk of premature death leveled off at about 6,000-8,000 steps per day. Trails are great places to take steps! Start planning where you’ll take your steps today: See your choices!
Indiana Trail Count Analysis
In May 2020, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) launched the Indiana Trail Count Analysis, a statewide study of volunteer-based convenience sample trail count data. By partnering with trail managers and stakeholders across the state who were previously collecting data from fixed counters on their respective trails, the IDNR was able to create a more current and comprehensive trail data set. The goal of this analysis is to use this convenience sample data to document, track, and better understand major trail-use trends in Indiana. ETC’s Trails Count Program kicks off this spring! Evansville will become a reporting partner of IDNR, providing results of tracked usage and trends. As we develop our process and trails count cycle, more information will be shared! Currently, two (2) trail counters have been donated to ETC to begin, but we hope to acquire additional counters as the program becomes established. If you would like to participate in the Trails Count Program, there are many ways to help! Become a Trailblazer Data Collection volunteer, or simply donate to the program, to purchase additional counters. We are anticipating the results and are excited to show how active our local and visiting Trailblazers are! Contact us to help out #etctrailscount #activeevansville
An Analysis of the Final Mile Bicycle Infrastructure Program (Urban Institute)
Cycling infrastructure can help broaden access to mobility by offering residents a low-cost, reliable, and sustainable means of transportation. A Report on the successes and challenges of the Final Mile program which funded communications campaigns sustained advocacy efforts, and engineering consulting in five US cities to help stimulate further investment in cycling infrastructure. The report finds that all funded cities significantly expanded their respective protected cycling infrastructure and did so more quickly than comparable cities. See the research feature in the full report: Making the Case for Improved Bicycling Infrastructure: An Analysis of the Final Mile Bicycle Infrastructure Program.
What is Walkability?
Grounded in the belief that reducing the need for private vehicle use improves the quality of life for urban dwellers, walkability is a planning concept that encourages mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods where people can access essential services and amenities by foot. See the article HERE.
ETC Trails Map
ETC’s last developed trails map was completed and printed in 2013. As we draw close to finalizing the newest version of the map with the latest trails corridors and segments, we want you to have another opportunity to get your business, or organization featured before it’s too late! ETC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so all donations toward the map assist us with professional GIS and mapping development fees and when complete, map printing. See our virtual overlay map that includes conceptual new trail segments that bridge the gaps between our current trail corridors.
Worth Sharing Again
Health Impacts of Bike-Sharing Systems in the United States (Colorado State University School of Public Health) Shares the health impacts of bike-sharing systems (BSS) in the US and finds that the health benefits of BSS are greater than health risks and that improvements in air quality and traffic safety would help maximize those benefits. See manuscript published in Environmental Research.
Lorie A. Van Hook
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