The shingle oak, Quercus imbricaria, known for its hard, brown wood once used for shingles, furniture, and wagon spokes, is a native species found in the eastern quarter of Kansas. Its lanceolate to elliptic, glossy green leaves with entire margins make it unique among Kansas oaks. Historically, Native Americans used its bark for medicinal purposes, and today, the tree serves as a valuable ornamental shade species.

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Jason Deal with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks along with Utilization and Marketing Forester Dave Bruton sat down to discuss timber theft issues in Kansas. Timber theft affects private land owners and public land managers. Dave and Jason discuss how individuals can best protect their trees as well as how these thefts impact our timber industry. 

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The huge problem posed by bush honeysuckle is especially obvious this time of year. In the fall, this invasive shrub stays green longer than native plants and produces bright red berries. Now is a great time to identify and remove bush honeysuckle. When left untreated, the shrub spreads rapidly and outcompetes native plants. It reduces biodiversity, impedes ecosystem functionality, and degrades wildlife habitat. Removing this plant is one of the best things you can do for our woodlands!

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The 2025 Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest for 5th graders is now open! This year’s theme is “Kansas Trees are Terrific in Cities, Towns, and Communities,” highlighting the vital role trees play in our environments.

 

Please share this opportunity with the fifth grade teachers in your community! Together, we can nurture a love for our urban forests.

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Acorn weevils are brown beetles that lay their larvae in acorns during the summer. The larvae eat the inside of the acorn until it drops in the fall, burrowing into the soil until they are ready to emerge as adults. Although the weevil destroys individual acorns, the insect is not considered a threat to oak trees as acorns are so numerous. This weevil was found while processing acorns last week!

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