Oak Wilt Cycle

[Image credit: USDA Forest Service]

Know Thy Enemy: Oak Wilt

There's a particular passage in “The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees” by Doug Tallamy that has a special significance for Watershed Stewards:

"The water from a 2-inch downpour, for example—more than 54,000 gallons per acre—is captured almost entirely by an oak forest’s leaf litter and the organic humus it creates. Litter and humus don’t hold this water indefinitely, but they do corral it on-site just long enough for it to seep into the ground, replenishing the water table on which so many of us depend. In areas with no leaf litter, the same 2-inch rainstorm causes a flood."

It got me thinking about the quality of oak leaves. The tall pin oaks that filled my grandparents' neighborhood were a source of curiosity during the autumns of my childhood. A never-ending cascade of oak leaves made raking a Sisyphean task. Once the leaves were gathered, the question of what to do with them plagued the neighbors. Many would opine that it was better when you were still allowed to burn them but they didn't do that anymore - even though the pleasing smell of burning leaf piles during that time of year told a different story. There were others that tried running them over with the lawn mower or otherwise shredding them. Some just gave up and bagged them to be put out on the tree lawn on garbage day. They lamented that the leaves didn't break down like maple leaves, which often dissolve by winter's end. Indeed, oak leaves are rife with tannins and lignans which each affect the decomposition process, slowing it considerably. The resilience of the oak leaf leads to the sponge-like forest floor conditions that Tallamy describes. This is just one of the many crucial ways that oaks contribute to the health of our watersheds, which is why we should be aware of a key threat that they face: oak wilt.

Oak wilt is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. It spreads by two separate transmission modes. The first is insect vectors. Nitidulidae: sap feeding beetles and in certain ranges, bark beetles are the main overland spreaders. The fragrant fungus forms a mat or a pad between the bark and wood which attracts the insects who pick up spores for transmission. The insects then continue on to another sap wound on a healthy tree where the fungus enters the tree's vascular system. The second way it spreads is through root graft transmission. Root grafts refer to the complex and fused root system that can occur between the same species sharing a common space. Considering that oak roots can radiate outward to a distance of twice or three times their canopy, nearby oaks can easily be infected, taking down whole stands of trees.

All oak species are susceptible to oak wilt, with red oaks being particularly vulnerable. Once infected they can perish within weeks or months. There are very few diseases that can cause such an immediate and rapid decline in a mature tree. While white oaks can also be affected, they tend to be more resistant. They die over the course of years rather than months.

Initial symptoms include leaf discoloration, wilting, and premature leaf drop. A carpet of leaves under the tree in mid-summer is a sign of possible infection. Leaf loss starts at the edge of the canopy and progresses inward. Advanced symptoms include vascular discoloration: dark streaking can often be seen along the grain in the sapwood when bark is removed. More commonly in the red oak group, fungal mats develop beneath the bark.

There is no cure or treatment for oak wilt once a tree is infected. Healthy trees can be treated prophylactically but this is not scalable. Containing underground spread through the root system is best handled by professionals as it involves tree removal and trenching around the root system in order to break the disease cycle. However, there is a simple thing that we can do to stop transmission by insects. Do not prune your oaks from March through the beginning of October. If you suspect a case of oak wilt, you can report it to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

This evening, March 5th, we'll learn more about the challenges our native tree populations face and the solutions that we're working on when Climate Resilient Forest Manager, Adam Regula caps off our Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series with "Active Forest Management: What Is It and How It Can Benefit Our Forests?".

Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Watershed Spotlight

Cleveland Metroparks Watersheds in Cuyahoga County

We’re now including the watershed alongside volunteer location details for WVP events. You will see many Cleveland Metroparks' reservations are named after the watersheds they help protect, such as Rocky River, Euclid Creek, and Big Creek. By making this connection more visible, we hope to deepen awareness of which watersheds our efforts support and highlight the important role they play in our environment.

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Winter Stonefly Club

Join us on March 15th for our last edition of (M) 2025 Winter Stonefly Survey

[Image credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Lecture Series

Salt Watch

Salt Watch Reminder

Salt Watch Volunteers: It's time to take your March sample.

Questions? Email us

Happenings

(L) Seed Paper Making

March 3, 2025 @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

WVP Opportunities

Key

(L)earning: These events include talks, workshops, and training sessions.
(M)onitoring: These events include water quality testing through chemistry and macroinvertebrate monitoring.
(R)estoration: These events include bioretention clean-ups, tree plantings, invasive plant removal, etc.
(O)utreach: These events are used to spread awareness of the Watershed Volunteer Program and general watershed health.

(L) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: Active Forest Management: What Is It and How It Can Benefit Our Forests?*

Wed, Mar 5, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

(R) Invasive Mantis Egg Case Removal

Wed, Mar 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Acacia Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed

(M) Winter Stonefly Survey

Sat, Mar 15, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed

(R) Invasive Mantis Egg Case Removal

Wed, Mar 19, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Bedford Reservation in Tinkers Creek Watershed

(R) Green Infrastructure Maintenance

Fri, Mar 21 , 1 - 3 p.m. @ Brookside Reservation in Big Creek Watershed

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sat, Mar 29, 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. @ Euclid Creek in Euclid Creek Watershed

(R) Invasive Mantis Egg Case Removal

Wed, April 2 , 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Hinckley Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

(R) Garlic Mustard Removal

Wed, Apr 9, 6 -8 p.m. @ Engle Rd, Big Creek Reservation in Big Creek Watershed

(R) Live Stake Planting & Site Tour

Sat, Apr 12, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Johnsons Creek, Hinckley Reservation

(M) Workshop: Macroinvertebrates ID 101

Wed, April 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed

(L) Workshop: Best Practices for Successful Tree Planting

Wed, April 23, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed

(M) City Nature Challenge

Sat, Apr 26, 10 a.m. - Noon @ Chippewa Creek, Brecksville Reservation in Chippewa Creek Watershed

(R) Deer Fence Construction

Wed, Apr 30, 1 - 3:30 p.m. @ Camp Corde in West Creek Watershed

(R) Native Tree Planting

Wed, Apr 30, 5:30 - 8 p.m. @ Camp Corde in West Creek Watershed

WVP volunteers, please log into Volgistics to register for primary events.

*Open to the public. Click Here or Email us for the registration link.

View Event Details

(M) Marine Debris Monitor Training

Feb 18, 2025 @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) CSWCD: Spring 2025 Native Plant Kit Sale

Feb 5 - Mar 21, order online

Order predesigned native plant kits that provide a diversity of plants featuring grasses, flowers, and sedges. Each native kit contains 50 plugs, 10 or more native species, designed for an extended period of bloom and interest.

More Information

(S) Tree ID Hike with Mike

Sat, Mar 8, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Dusty Goldenrod Preserve

Ever wondered what trees are found in your backyard? Join the Friends of Euclid Creek on a guided tour with our Tree expert Mike. We will not only show you how to identify trees through bark and leaves, but also go over maintenance for the average home owner, identifying tree health, how trees benefit our local ecosystems and your backyard, and how to successfully plant them.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) 14th National Monitoring Conference

Mar 10-14 @ Green Bay, Wisconsin and virtual

The National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) will host its 14th National Monitoring Conference from March 10 to 14, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. All federal, state, tribal and local water professionals, nonprofits, academia, water consultants and industry, and volunteer scientists are welcome at this important national forum on monitoring Great Lakes, groundwater, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans. The conference will be offered in a hybrid format, primarily consisting of in-person presentations and events as well as some virtual components. What is the difference between in-person and limited virtual attendance?

Networking and opportunities to create new relationships will abound for attendees. Whether you seek to develop new skills, learn about the latest technologies, or simply exchange information on a wide variety of topics relevant to water resources, the National Monitoring Conference is for you. The conference is a destination conference for many in the field, attracting the highest quality professional presenters and posters.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Zoom into Nature: Preparing for Spring

Tue, Mar 11, 6:30 - 8 p.m. @ Online

Join Western Reserve Land Conservancy virtually for the presentation Ephemeral Excitement: The Spring Rush for Sunlight, Nectar, Pollen & Love with Judy Semroc. Our natural world has a tight schedule for completing many important feeding, mating and survival tasks before the trees fully leaf out and many of our spring wildflowers and insects take on a different look to their existence. Join in to learn about why fleeting performances are so very important.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Master Rain Gardener – Late Winter 2025

Mar 11- Apr 1, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Highland Heights Community Center

Train to be a Master Rain Gardener! Learn to design and install your own rain garden and become the rain garden expert in your neighborhood.

Class Details: The Master Rain Gardener (MRG) course includes four (4) classes over a four-week period. All classes will be held at the Highland Heights Community Center on Tuesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The end time may extend depending on the optional field trip location(s).

Registration Fee: $75

More Information and Registration Here

(S) River Network Community Science Solutions: Documenting the Impacts of Contamination in Land, Air, and Water

Thu, Mar 13, 1 - 2:30 p.m. @ Online

In this webinar, we’ll dive deep into case study examples of effective community science efforts around the country. Focus areas include air and water quality testing and monitoring contaminants in drinking water. Participants will learn how practitioners leverage funding sources and technical support to engage communities in data gathering and analysis, and work together to develop solutions that contribute to overall community health and well being by targeting nonpoint source pollution, informing land revitalization strategies, and more.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Friends of Euclid Creek Annual New Year Kickoff Meet & Greet

Mon, Mar 17, 6 - 8 p.m. @ South Euclid - Lyndhurst Library

Come and join Friends of Euclid Creek at our annual meet and greet! Find out what Friends of Euclid Creek is all about and how you can help our environment! Each of our departments will have tables where you can learn more about their tasks and goals in your communities. Refreshments will be provided.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Pickup Event

Wed, Mar 19, 5:30 - 7 p.m. @ Garfield Heights

Harvest rainwater for all your garden needs and combat stormwater pollution in your community with your own rain barrel! Cuyahoga SWCD will present a rain barrel pick-up event hosted by the City of Garfield Heights. Order in advance and pick up your barrel and diverter kit to make at home. All you need is a drill. Instructional video provided.

The $60 fee includes all materials, including a 55-gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you would like to create a two-barrel system, a second barrel and connector kit is available for an additional $40.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Pond Management Workshop

Thu, Mar 20, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Centerville Mills Dining Hall

Join the Geauga and Portage Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) on the first day of spring for a unique opportunity to gain information and resources about managing and maintaining your pond. Eugene Braig – Aquatic Ecosystem Program Director with Ohio State University – will be presenting at this FREE event. Registration is required by March 19.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) World Water Day Rain Barrel Workshop

Sat, Mar 22, 10 - 4:15 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Celebrate World Water Day by constructing a rain barrel to harvest rainwater at home. The Watershed Stewardship Center will be offering rain barrel workshops at a reduced rate to celebrate the holiday. Guests will work with naturalists to assemble their barrels and learn how to finish the installation at home. Each workshop registrant is welcome to bring a guest, but must register multiple times if they want additional barrels. Maximum of two registrations per household.

$30 per registration

11 spaces for registration

Rain barrels are three feet tall, two feet wide, and hold 55 gallons of water. Please be certain to bring a vehicle that is large enough to transport your barrel.

10 - 11 a.m. Register Here

11:15 - 12:15 p.m. Register Here

12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Register Here

2 - 3 p.m. Register Here

3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Register Here

(S) Tinkers' Creek Winter Webinar: Majestic Native Plants

Wed, Mar 26, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Online

Join Jennifer White, Education and Outreach Manager for Portage Parks, as she shares her expertise on growing native plants in your yard.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Doan Brook Fishing Workshop with Cleveland Metroparks

Sat, April 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. @ Rockefeller Lagoon

Are you a long-time fishing fanatic, or would you like to try to catch your first fish?

More Information and Registration Here

(S) West Creek: 2025 Annual Meeting

Tue, Apr 8, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Parma - Snow Library

Join us for West Creek Conservancy’s Annual Meeting on April 8th. The presentation will include a 2024 wrap-up and what's on deck for 2025 and beyond.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Doan Brook Grow Not Mow

Sat, April 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Shaker Blvd & Warrensville Center Rd

Grow Not Mow is a community program powered by volunteers like you and championed by the City of Shaker Heights. With this program, we hope to restore and enhance biodiversity in the floodplain of the Doan Brook to make it a better habitat for pollinators, wildlife, and people while also reducing the land area that is mowed. Our plantings will also help to absorb, filter stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with mowing.

More Information and Registration Here

More (S)upplemental events can be found on our website here.

*WVP volunteers can submit supplemental hours in Volgistics under (S) Watershed Partner Event Contact us if you need assistance reporting any hours.

(M) Winter Stonefly Survey

Feb 15, 2025 @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

Stories of Hope for Biodiversity in Ohio | Read on

OSU Study Reveals Cleaner Water Could Actually Hurt Some Kinds of Lake Erie Fish | Read on or listen here

A Place for Kids to Play and a Place to Store Water: It’s a Stormwater Playground! | Read on

Healthy Soil Sounds ‘Like an Underground Rave Concert’ With Clicks, Pops and Crackles of a Vast Ecosystem | Read on and watch video here

Meet the Sapo Concho, an Endangered Toad Getting Some Representation from Musician Bad Bunny | Read on and watch video here

Bad Bunny -- rapper, singer, songwriter, humanitarian, and even professional wrestler -- has become quite a global superstar. He was the most streamed artist on Spotify from 2020 to 2022. The Puerto Rican musician recently released an album, along with a short film, paying homage to his motherland. In the film is a CGI character representing Puerto Rico's only native toad, the endangered Sapo Concho. The article direcly above takes you into the world of this amphibian and how the animal is now intertwined with the famous entertainer.

[Image Credit: JP Zegarra/PNG Sticker/Bob Bennett]