Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 10, 2015 9A
Polk County Living
Weather stress hits Douglas fir trees hard
By Mary Stewart
OSU Extension Service
Many Oregonians have
noticed widespread damage
in landscape and forest trees
this spring — and weather
may be the culprit.
“Browning or dieback is
often caused by weather-re-
lated stress, sometimes in
combination with pests and
d i s e a s e s ,” s a i d G l e n n
Ahrens, a forester with Ore-
gon State University’s Exten-
sion Service. Douglas-fir
trees are the most common
victims, he said, but stress
due to weather is affecting
many tree species and a va-
riety of problems are show-
ing up.
On some Douglas firs,
branches and tops are turn-
ing red or brown. Some-
times the entire tree dies.
Older trees typically have
milder symptoms.
“This sudden mortality or
‘flaring out’ of branches and
tops is a classic symptom of
drought in conifers,” Ahrens
explained.
Possible stressors include
last year’s long, dry summer
ending with a hot period,
followed by an early freeze
in November and then a rel-
atively warm winter, he said.
Drought-related injuries
to the stems and leader are
not always apparent when
they occur, but often show
up the following spring as
the weather warms up and
Tips for keeping trees healthy
• Prevent soil compaction caused by vehicle or animal
traffic near trees. Compaction can damage roots, especially
in clay soils.
• Avoid direct damage to trees and roots by animals or
machinery.
• Reduce competing vegetation.
• Irrigate landscape trees during dry spells. Apply
water slowly over many hours; avoid frequent shallow wa-
tering. Apply mulch to maintain soil moisture.
• Do not alter drainage near established trees (ditches,
ponds, fill or removal of soil).
• Plant trees that are well suited for the site. Where
Douglas fir mortality is occurring, consider planting
Willamette Valley Ponderosa pine or hardwoods.
• If insects or branch/stem cankers are evident, prune
and destroy affected branches to reduce spread.
• Do not fertilize during drought conditions; fertiliza-
tion can increase a tree’s water requirements.
trees begin to grow. That
seems to have begun with
the warm weather of Febru-
ary and March, with symp-
toms becoming obvious in
April.
Similar drought damage
has occurred periodically
over the last 15 years, most
recently in 2013, according
to Ahrens.
Heat and drought can kill
trees outright or put the
trees under severe moisture
stress. Subsequent problems
can happen when insects or
diseases take advantage of a
tree’s weakened condition.
Douglas fir trees are most
commonly affected, but
similar problems occur with
other conifers, including
grand fir, noble fir, western
red cedar and western hem-
lock. Grand firs around the
Willamette Valley are notori-
ous for health problems due
to drought followed by sec-
ondary problems such as
bark beetles and fungi.
Ahrens said drought-
stressed Douglas fir trees are
often troubled by stem
canker, normally caused by
weak pathogens that be-
come active in trees under
stress. The cankers can coa-
lesce to girdle branches or
stems, and also can become
sites of attack by bark bee-
tles.
Insect pests that take ad-
vantage of drought-stressed
trees include the Douglas fir
engraver and the pole bee-
tle. Grand fir and noble fir
are vulnerable to engraver
beetles that attack true firs
of all sizes.
Douglas fir trees in some
foothills around the
Willamette Valley are afflict-
e d w i t h Sw i s s n e e d l e
cast. The disease produces a
pale overall appearance and
sparse crown as individual
needles turn yellow and
drop.
“Swiss needle cast disease
has been a problem in
coastal Douglas fir since the
1990s,” says Ahrens. “But
last year we had increased
reports of the disease in the
Willamette Valley and we are
seeing it again this year.”
Weather is also a con-
tributing factor and the dis-
ease is most severe in years
with a combination of a
warm winter and abundant
spring moisture, Ahrens
said. Indicators of Swiss
needle cast are progressive
yellowing and shedding
(casting) of needles, begin-
ning with the older needles.
A healthy tree may carry
four to five years’ worth of
needles, while heavily in-
fected trees may carry only
one or two years’ worth. Al-
though the disease is not
generally fatal to the tree, it
often has a significant im-
pact on growth.
The Extension publica-
tion Forest Health Fact
Sheet: Swiss Needle Cast in
Douglas-fir in Oregon gives
more information.
P ATTY
T AYLOR
D UTCHER
Columnist
optimism and abundant
good wishes, and this year
will be no exception. We’d
like to add our congratula-
tions and high hopes as our
best and brightest begin an-
other exciting chapter in
their lives. Come September,
we’ll welcome new freshman
students eager to start on a
new journey of their own as
well as our returning sopho-
more, junior, senior and
graduate students. WOU in-
deed a jewel in MI Town’s
crown and we look forward
to so many good programs,
classes and activities our
hometown university has to
offer.
—
Back in the day, parent-
hood seemed to be focused
more on the mother — with
shopping for maternity
clothes and celebrating with
baby showers. Now new
dads and dads-to-be have
their opportunity to share
some of the spotlight and it
can’t happen soon enough.
This Saturday at 9 a.m., Boot
Camp for New Dads will
happen at Salem Hospital’s
Community Health Center,
Bldg. B, 99 Oak Street, SE.
This program will be taught
in English by Dr. Bruce Shep-
pard. Boot Camp for Span-
ish-speaking new dads will
be held at 535 G Street in In-
dependence at 9 a.m. and
will be taught by Odi Cam-
pos, my friend and Head
Start educator. The cost for
the class is $10, but scholar-
ships are available. Please
call 503 814-2432 for more
information.
—
We enjoyed our dinner last
Thursday evening at San An-
tonio in Independence even
more as a percentage of our
bill was donated to CASA
(Court Appointed Special
Advocates) in Polk County.
Many restaurants in Polk
County participated in this
fundraising event. CASA vol-
unteers are trained to spend
time with children who have
been abused or neglected,
and are truly angels who
walk among us. For more in-
formation about this pro-
gram, please call 503-623-
9268, ext. 1301.
—
Concerts in the parks are
just around the corner and
so close that we’re making
plans for packing picnic bas-
kets as we gather with
friends and neighbors to
enjoy socializing and good
music. It just doesn’t get any
better than this!
PEDEE NEWS
Several local students
graduated from high school
this year and are excited
about moving on. Brandon
Simons, son of Rich and Tess
Simons, who graduated
from Philomath High School
last Thursday, is one of
Pedee’s outstanding stu-
dents. He is an avid baseball
player and consequently re-
ceived the Coach’s Award for
his all-around performance
as an outstanding player, ex-
cellent student, and good
sport. He also received the
athlete scholar award with
his 3.67 grade-point average
and was named the all-con-
ference second team first
baseman for the Oregon
West Conference. He will be
going to WOU, possibly in
criminal justice.
A RLENE
K OVASH
Columnist
—
Paige Cochrane, daughter
of Mick and Debbie
Cochrane, graduated from
Dallas High School and as a
National Honor Society
member gave the welcoming
speech at Dallas High
School’s graduation Satur-
day afternoon. She will be
attending Willamette Uni-
versity in Salem and consid-
ering pre-law.
—
Philip North, son of Chip
and Linda North, also gradu-
ated from Dallas High and
will be going to Chemeketa.
Arlin Schwanke, son of Eric
Schwanke of Pedee and Jen-
nifer Schwanke of Mon-
mouth, graduated from Falls
City High School and will be
interning with John Deere as
a diesel mechanic. After
completing the two-year
program, he will be a certi-
fied diesel mechanic with
John Deere. He will be farm-
ing this summer on the fam-
ily farm on Maple Grove
Road.
—
Saturday, May 30, nine
girls from Kings Valley Char-
ter School participated in
the Girls on the Run Celebra-
tion 5K at Reser Stadium in
Corvallis. This was the cul-
mination of practices begun
in March where girls in
grades third through sixth
grade go through a curricu-
lum addressed for that age
group, including time spent
jogging together. The team
was coached by Laura Hauck
and Heidi Russell. Participat-
ing girls included Jenica
Baker, McKenzie Hauck,
Cameyna Gilson, Natalie
Stauffer, Allana Russell, Gra-
cie Lehrmann, Paige Belyeu,
Rebecca Lorain, and Eva Al-
varez. Running buddies in-
cluded parents, relatives and
friends of these girls: Sherri
Kramer, Jon Hovet, Tera
Lehrmann, Ryan Belyeu, Jill
Stauffer, Jannet White, Erica
Tarvin, and Amy Gilson.
Congratulations to all the
finishers for a job well done!
LIBRARY CALENDAR
DALLAS
950 Main St. • 503-623-2633
www.ci.dallas.or.us/library
• Thursday, June 11, 11:15 a.m. — “Super heroes” story time.
• Friday, June 12, 5:30 p.m. — Dr. Who teen party (grades seven-
12).
• Saturday, June 13, noon — Lego your Saturday.
• Tuesday, June 16, 11:15 a.m. — Story time.
• Tuesday, June 16, 3:30 p.m. — Story time.
• Wednesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. — Juggler Rhys Thomas (Dal-
las City Park).
• Wednesday, June 17, 3:45 p.m. — Teen Advisory Board meets.
• Wednesday, June 17, 4:30 p.m. — Teen book club: Hush, Hush,
by Becca Fitzpatrick.
—
INDEPENDENCE
175 Monmouth St. • 503-838-1811
www.ci.independence.or.us/library
• Wednesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. — Family story time.
• Wednesday, June 10, 3 p.m. — Super Hero Training Camp Part
1.
• Wednesday, June 10, 5:30 p.m. — Cuentos en Español.
• Thursday, June 11, 3 p.m. — Super Hero Training Camp Part 2.
• Friday, June 12, 3 p.m. — Super Hero Academy (for teens).
• Tuesday, June 16, 4:30 p.m. — Chess Club for Kids (grades 1
Vanderfeen -Woolsey
Serena Vanderfeen of
Dallas and Jeff Woosley are
planning a July wedding.
The bride-to-be is the
daughter of the late Ken
Hauf. Her fiancé is the son
of Ken Woosley of Florence
and the late Karel Woosley.
Serena is a 2007 gradu-
ate of Lane Community
College in Eugene. She is
currently employed at Dal-
las Forty as a mixologist.
Jeff is a 1980 graduate of
Alsea High School. He is
currently employed with
Polk County Public Works as the lead heavy equipment
operator.
The wedding is set for July 18, in the country at a family
residence outside of Dallas.
BIRTHS
Henry
Malachi Alan Henry was born to Noel and Katie Henry
of Salem at 11:55 pm. on May 27 at Silverton Hospital
Family Birth Center.
He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 20 inches long.
Malachi joins Josiah 7, and Manoah 4.
Grandparents are Ron and Donna Bishop of Salem, and
Alan and Barbara Harms of Dallas
Rooke
Sofia Jaycee-Lynn Rooke was born to James and Cas-
sandra Rooke of Monmouth at 10:37 p.m. on May 28 at
Salem Hospital Family Birth Center.
She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 20 1/3 inches
long.
Sofia joins Stephanie 22, Jeffrey 18, Jorden 14,
Cheyanne 13, Cassie 11, Dakota 10, Asia 6, and Madison 3.
Grandparents are Lynn and Verna Cook of Monmouth,
Greg Wright of Monmouth, and Mac and Lisa Rooke of
Seaside.
White
MI TOWN
MI Town was alive with
the sounds of cheers and
laughter and the happy voic-
es of the members of the
Class of 2015 from Panther
Stadium last Friday evening,
as the newly-minted gradu-
ates were presented with
their high school diplomas.
Family members, friends and
neighbors were there to be-
stow good wishes for suc-
cess, happiness and bright
futures to everyone. Whatev-
er the paths our graduates
take — college, service to our
country or work — we have
faith that they will contribute
to making our communities
and our world a better place.
Congratulations!
—
Our Western Oregon Uni-
versity graduates will bid
farewell to MI Town after up-
coming graduation cere-
monies this Saturday.
Graduations are always a
combination of nostalgia,
ENGAGEMENTS
and older).
• Wednesday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. — Family story time.
• Wednesday, June 17, 3 p.m. — Reptile Man at Riverview Park.
• Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 p.m. — Cuentos en Español.
—
MONMOUTH
168 S. Ecols St. • 503-751-0182
www.ci.monmouth.or.us/library
• Wednesday, June 10, 10:15 a.m. — Super stories and super
hero mask craft.
• Thursday, June 11, 2 p.m. — Do-it-yourself magnets (sixth-
12th grade).
• Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m. — Book club: Memoir night.
• Friday, June 12, 10:15 a.m. — Little Builders (babies through
pre-k).
• Friday, June 12, 2 p.m. — Movie.
• Tuesday, June 16, 2 p.m. — Reptile Man (Main Street Park
gazebo).
• Wednesday, June 17, 10:15 a.m. — Stories with Monmouth
Police officers and sticker scene craft.
—
WAGNER COMMUNITY LIBRARY
111 N. Main St., Falls City • 503-787-3521, ext. 319
www.wagner.plinkit.org
• Contact library for upcoming special events and programs.
Maverick John White was born to Cody and Margaret
White of West Salem at 7:33 p.m. at Salem Hospital Fam-
ily Birth Center.
He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 19½ inches
long.
Maverick joins Charlie 20 months.
Grandparents are Patricia Kincaid of Salem, Nicki
Prather of Dallas, and Claude and Kathy White of Inde-
pendence.
Great-grandparents are Rosemary Allenby of Salem, Ju-
dith Focht of Independence, and Donita White of Inde-
pendence.
EAA Young Eagles offers
youth flights on Saturday
INDEPENDENCE — The Experimental Aircraft Associ-
ation’s Young Eagles program will be from 8:30 a.m. to
noon on Saturday at the Independence State Airport, EAA
Hanger, 4803 Airport Road, Independence.
Young Eagles, launched in 1992, gives interested youths
aged 8 to 17 an opportunity to learn about aviation and
take a flight in a general aviation airplane.
All Young Eagles receive ground school training, a 15-
minute flight, a picture and an official EAA Young Eagles
certificate.
Sporty’s Pilot Shop will provide all participants with a
Young Eagles logbook. Middle- and high-school students
will receive an access code to Sporty’s Complete Flight
Training Course.
Ground school is about 45 minutes long, with flights
taking about 15 minutes. Flights are on a first-come, first-
served basis, and are free of charge, courtesy of EAA
Chapter 292 pilots.
Each Young Eagle must have a registration form signed
by a parent or guardian.
For more infor mation: www.eaa292.org, or
www.youngeagles.com.
Watershed council hosts
fundraiser for June 17
INDEPENDENCE — The Luckiamute Watershed Coun-
cil will host a fundraiser June 17 for one of several of the
group’s improvement projects in Polk and Benton counties.
Rockin’ the River, a concert and auction, will take place
from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rogue Farms, located at 3590 Wigrich
Road in Independence. The event will raise money to sup-
port restoration along Ash Creek.
The group hopes to raise $8,000, which can provide
9,000 plants to be bought and planted.
The concert and auction is free and family friendly and
will feature live music by the Morgans.
Items may be donated for the auction through Monday,
June 15.
Contact Gail Oberst, 503-871-1242 for more details.
Partners on the restoration project include the cities of
Monmouth and Independence, Ash Creek Water Control
District, Central School District 13J and Oregon Water-
shed Enhancement Board.
For more information: www.luckiamutelwc.org/rockin-
the-river.html.
Rabbits is Giving Cancer the Boot!
Silent & Oral Auction, Sunday, June 14
3:00 - 5:00 pm, 186 SW Court St, Dallas
Fantastic Items for Bidding!
■
Barbeque Grill ■ Patio Umbrellas
■ Fire Pits ■ Golf Bag ■ T-shirts
■ Gift Baskets & Much More!
Come and enjoy BBQ burgers!
All proceeds go to Relay for Life of Polk County
For more information, call Ryan @ 541-805-1206