Early Spring has a subdued appearance this year. That shrubs and small trees along the creek suffered freeze damage is no surprise – that many of the native varieties appear to have weathered the storm is reassuring (thanks to Mitch Deshotels for this photo).

 

Redbuds are now flowering, and Mexican Plum trees, while delayed, appear to be producing healthy numbers of blooms. Tiny buds are visible on several Eve’s Necklace trees along the greenbelt. Live Oaks everywhere in Dallas have lost leaves, but some arborists note that they may recover.

 

Non-native shrubs such as wax leaf ligustrum may not recover fully. Since they tend to shade or crowd out natives, this may be a positive development in the long run. That many of these same shrubs provided food for an irruption of Robins during the freeze is evidence of the complexity of our natural environment.

 

 

    

And just to kick it off, let the Author’s eloquent description identify this first tree (Tree A) for you:

 

“The overall form of open grown American Elms is often likened to a fountain or column of water.” (So the correct match for Clue No3 is Tree A, American Elm.) 

 

1. This tree’s protective measures – in theory developed during the Pleistocene era against megafauna (like the Mastadon) – prove less effective in the current day against foraging deer in parts of its range. 
2. Although its non-native, and can be invasive, this tree was sometimes a landscape choice for its large 3 lobed leaves, 12 inches in width, that provide substantial shade.
3. The distinctive shape of the crown of this large native is more evident in the winter.
4. Among the oaks, this variety features a coarse bark and strong branch structure. An excellent landscape choice.
5. The smooth bark of this tree is one of its most distinctive features.
6. Branching patterns are one key to distinguishing between two varieties of this tree, since the foliage and bark are very similar.
7. A natural along the creek bed, this tree is easily identified by its foliage which can turn bright yellow in the fall. In winter, look for the furrowed bark, which forms deep flakes on old trees, and its relatively low branches.
8. Only ringtail cats typically eat the berries of this small tree, which may explain why they remain on the branches here in fall and winter.
9. A distinctive color in the coarse bark is a good clue to this tree’s common name.
10. The pods of this tree, which also is host to a caterpillar sought after for fishing, can be used to weave small baskets – although youngsters of a prior century had another use, which gave the tree one of its common, or nicknames.

 

Nature is often not tidy, but many of the elements that threaten Joe’s Creek and almost all urban waterways can be mitigated by our choices and actions.Below are noted a few of the best practices which support the ecology of the Creek. We also welcome your ideas and suggestions. Voluntary compliance is the most powerful tool that we have; so in the New Year we hope that all NPNA neighbors will join us in these efforts to the extent possible.

Water Quality:

• Avoid excess fertilizers, inorganic pesticides, weed killers and other yard and garden chemicals.
• Here’s a New Year’s Resolution: Drive less and walk or cycle more. Chances are you’ll safely meet your neighbors in the process! (Automobile residues are washed into the creek through storm water drains.)
• Do not discharge swimming pool water into alleys or streets if it contains chlorine levels above the low limit specified by the City of Dallas Stormwater Management. Note: fines can be levied.
• No leaves or yard debris should be swept, thrown or blown into the storm drains with leaf blowers, or any other means.
• Landscapes that include xeriscape are more beneficial since they will have less runoff, and thus carry less contaminants into the creek.

Erosion Control:

• No cutting, digging, or interfering with any shrubs or trees on the banks of the creek.

Plastic trash: Move from refuse to recycle

• Recycling appears to be a less effective option, as demand has declined, so that much plastic intended for recycle ends up in landfills. A number of companies are now offering ordinary household products such as detergents that are shipped as concentrates, without any plastic, or water, that also adds to the shipping weight.

To all our NPNA Neighbors and Visitors, on behalf of our Creek Leaders, A Happy and Healthy New Year, and Enjoy the Creek, Park and Greenbelt.

Vince Punaro, NPNA Creek Committee Leader