Tag: nature

When Leaves Fall, Bark Takes Center Stage

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Winter often brings a stark, seemingly lifeless landscape. But beneath the snow and bare branches lies a hidden world of beauty – the intricate textures and patterns of tree bark. With leaves absent, the bark takes center stage, revealing its unique characteristics and stories.

Why Winter is Prime Time for Bark Appreciation

  • Unveiled Beauty: Without the leafy canopy, tree bark becomes fully visible. Its colors, textures, and patterns stand out in the winter sunlight, creating a striking contrast.
  • Identification: Winter is an excellent time to practice tree identification skills. Bark is a key feature, offering clues to a tree’s species, age, and health.
  • Insights: Bark provides a protective layer for trees, shielding them from harsh weather, pests, and diseases. Studying bark can offer insights into a tree’s adaptations and resilience.

Tips for Appreciating Winter Bark

  • Take a Walk: Explore your local arboreta, parks or forests in winter. Bring a camera or sketchbook to capture the beauty you find.
  • Look Closely: Examine the bark’s texture, color, and patterns. Notice the variations within a single tree and between different species.
  • Learn the Lingo: Familiarize yourself with terms like lenticels, fissures, and scales to better understand bark characteristics.
  • Use Resources: Field guides and online resources can help you identify trees by their bark and learn more about their unique features.

Winter may seem like a time of dormancy, but it’s also a season of subtle beauty and hidden stories. By taking a closer look at tree bark, you can discover a new appreciation for the natural world and the resilience of trees.

This is the perfect time of year to visit the City of Dickson Arboretum at Buckner Park, so pick a clear sunny day to wander through and pay attention to the tree bark. The Shagbark Hickory and River Birch are particularly interesting and beautiful.

Want to know more?

https://www.americanforests.org/article/the-language-of-bark/

https://crowspath.org/natural-history/trees/bark/

City of Dickson TUFC Certification

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Exciting News from The City of Dickson Arboretum

We are delighted to announce that the City of Dickson Arboretum has achieved a significant milestone by earning certification for having 30+ identified and named tree species! This certification recognizes our commitment to tree conservation, education, and public engagement.

Level 1 certification was granted for a period of 5 years by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Requirements for certification included at least 30 identified and labeled tree species from an approved tree list, public access, a narrative detailing a governance and maintenance plan, and an inspection of the arboretum.

Visitors can now enjoy a self-guided tour through our arboretum, where each tree is labeled with its scientific and common name. Guided tours are also available by appointment. Every label includes a QR code to access more information about specific trees. This achievement not only enhances the educational experience for our guests but also underscores our dedication to preserving and showcasing diverse tree species.

Everyone is invited to explore our arboretum; whether you’re a tree enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The City of Dickson Arboretum is located in Buckner Park behind the Rotary Pavilion and is open during regular park hours.

The Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to the City of Dickson, Dickson Parks & Recreation Department and Staff, Dickson Parks & Recreation Board, and Dickson County Sheriff’s Department for all their support, advice, and hard work. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing our efforts to create a thriving and sustainable arboretum for our community.

Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board

CITY OF DICKSON TUFC CERTIFICATION

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Exciting News from The City of Dickson Arboretum

We are delighted to announce that the City of Dickson Arboretum has achieved a significant milestone by earning certification for having 30+ identified and named tree species! This certification recognizes our commitment to tree conservation, education, and public engagement.

Level 1 certification was granted for a period of 5 years by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Requirements for certification included at least 30 identified and labeled tree species from an approved tree list, public access, a narrative detailing a governance and maintenance plan, and an inspection of the arboretum.

Visitors can now enjoy a self-guided tour through our arboretum, where each tree is labeled with its scientific and common name. Guided tours are also available by appointment. Every label includes a QR code to access more information about specific trees. This achievement not only enhances the educational experience for our guests but also underscores our dedication to preserving and showcasing diverse tree species.

Everyone is invited to explore our arboretum; whether you’re a tree enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The City of Dickson Arboretum is located in Buckner Park behind the Rotary Pavilion and is open during regular park hours.

The Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to the City of Dickson, Dickson Parks & Recreation Department and Staff, Dickson Parks & Recreation Board, and Dickson County Sheriff’s Department for all their support, advice, and hard work. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing our efforts to create a thriving and sustainable arboretum for our community.

Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board

Arboretum Certification

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Dickson Tree Management & Beautification Board is currently striving to update the City of Dickson Arboretum and attain certification via Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. We hope to complete the process for Level 1 Certification in 2024 to provide a welcoming and educational setting for visitors to learn about trees in a relaxed and tranquil setting.

Tennessee Arboretum Certification Requirements & Levels

General Requirements

  • Accurately identify at least 30 distinct tree species.
  • Meet criteria for Level 1.
  • Location must be open to the public. Special consideration for private sites is available.
  • Trees are and will be maintained in good health.
  • Protect trees from string trimmer and mower damage (through communication with maintenance, markings, mulch, or protection device).
  • Mulch, if used, must not touch the tree’s trunk.
  • Newly planted trees must be watered on a regular schedule.
  • All trees are to be labeled with both their scientific/botanical and common names.

The scientific/botanical name must be underscored or in italics. The current edition (6) of Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants is the Style Manual for names and labeling format. Other descriptive information is not required.

  • Tree labels must be easy to read and located near tree.

Place tree labels on or directly adjacent to each tree. Staked tree labels are preferred; however, tags can also be hung from limbs or embedded in trunks using aluminum nails or screws at a readable height. Steel screws or nails are not recommended. Spacing-springs are optional, but need to be placed in front of the sign

  • Trees located within or overhanging high-use areas must be in safe condition and inspected regularly for potential hazards.
  • If a tree poses a safety risk, then corrective actions must be taken.
  • The TUFC Certified Arboretum sign must be posted and maintained.
  • Re-certification is required every 3 years.