ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 2 
“To know the enemy is the biggest 
step in conquering him.” 
Sensitivity to the environment 
where trees are established takes a 
little foresight. Our boulevard 
giants may not be causing prob- 
lems today, but what are the future 
development plans of the commu- 
nity? Is the present 25-foot wide 
boulevard to be narrowed to five 
feet? If so, these large trees should 
be removed and replaced by 
smaller, slow-growing, deep- 
rooted species. The transition 
should be gradual, however. 
Sidewalks, power lines, street 
lights, and construction projects 
should be treated in the same 
manner. This is especially true 
when planning a new housing 
area. One has an opportunity to 
learn from past mistakes. If large 
trees are desired, then streets and 
boulevards should be wide enough 
to accommodate them. In future 
years, expansion can be made 
without degradation of green buffer 
zones. With this sensitivity, most 
city residents, regardless of their 
views, will be appeased. | 
Consideration for future needs of 
people is very important for pro- 
gressive urban forestry. As urban 
America continues its inexorable 
growth, there will be an increasing 
desire for more green curtains. The 
‘noble savage”’ and ‘‘return to na- 
ture’’ desires are instinctive, and 
they will become even more acute 
as the world becomes more 
crowded. 
Genetic research and hybridiza- 
tion are producing more varieties 
of trees which are ideal for city 
planting. Areas that are void of 
trees can be planted with many 
varieties of trouble and mainte- 
nance-free species. Boulevards that 
are now established with pesky 
‘“~weed’’ trees can be re-established 
with the more desirable varieties. 
Again, this transition should be 
gradual. 
Urban forestry is part of a great 
movement in this 200-year-old 
country. By learning from our mis- 
takes of the past two centuries, we 
can — and must — continue to 
enhance the quality of life and liv- 
ing in our urban areas. 
Once again, let us turn to trees, 
which were vital to America’s 
growth and progress, to help us 
build a better future. 
(Reprinted by permission from The Minnesota Volunteer) 
The Illinois Department of Conservation announces the avail- 
ability of a new 16-page booklet: LANDOWNER’S GUIDE TO 
WILDLIFE. The booklet is free by writing to: Division of Wildlife 
Resources, 10012 E. Washington, Springfield, IL. 62706. 
