For the Earth

I was on the local TV news

2012-01-26T15:50:00.000-08:00

Click here to see a brief WBOC news clip on logging. I speak out for habitat protection. This aired in the late fall but I just got a chance to see it, thanks to a botanist friend who forwarded the link.

Chapman Forest - Charles County, Old-Growth Forest Network selection

2011-12-21T05:56:00.000-08:00

Early Sunday morning I made the long drive to Charles County, MD
to join a group going to Chapman Forest. It will be the perfect forest for the Old-Growth Forest Network. The walk was led by Rod Simmons and these are his notes: "Fifty-four of us from the Maryland Native Plant Society, Virginia Native Plant Society, Botanical Society of Washington, Mattawoman Watershed Society, Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, Alexandria TreeStewards, and others traversed the highland areas from the Glymont area to historic Mount Aventine above the deep ravines and bluffs that comprise the old-age section of Chapman Forest. We saw a remarkable diversity of vegetation, old-age trees, and spectacular scenery throughout, including some interior sections of Shell-Marl Ravine Forest. This section of the park is a fascinating and regionally unique meeting ground for plants with a primary range in the inner piedmont and mountains and those of the southern coastal plain.

We began the walk through both the Chestnut Oak-Mountain Laurel evergreen and mixed oak-deciduous heath types of Oak-Heath Forest (USNVC: CEGL008521 and CEGL006299) on the gravel terrace near Chapman Landing Road, descended in elevation through sections of Mid-Atlantic Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (USNVC: CEGL006075), and traversed sections of old-age Shell-Marl Ravine Forest (Basic Mesic Hardwood Forest – USNVC: CEGL006055) that occur in the deep ravines, stream valleys, and rolling hills where calcareous and glauconitic marine sands and marl beds are exposed.

Annual Winter Solstice field trip participants and State Champion Pagoda Oak (Quercus pagoda) atop bluffs above the Potomac River at Chapman Forest, Charles County, Maryland. Photo by R.H. Simmons.

Salisbury tree planting - Daily Times article

2011-12-15T05:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111214/NEWS01/112140391/SU-students-draft-plan-tree-canopy

This link is to an article in the Daily Times newspaper about a small project I did with Salisbury University students. The students roamed the city looking for good places to plant additional trees.

Chesapeake Forest Champion

2011-12-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

A big "Thank You" to the person who nominated me as a "Forest Champion." It is a mystery to me, but I am very honored.

A Podcast of the Dec. 2011 Radio program

2011-12-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Future of our Forests Coastal Connection: 88.3 Ocean City

On the radio again

2011-12-01T13:18:00.001-08:00

These photos are from a beautiful old forest in Montgomery County, MD, that I hope will be in the
Old Growth Forest Network for that county. It's called the Gold Mine Tract.

Two days ago I took a nice forest walk with radio reporter Bryan Russo. The story will air on 88.3 (WRAU) on Friday at noon and again at 8pm. After that it will be available online at wamucoast.org.
We visited a 14 acre forest in the City of Salisbury that is threatened by plans for a 92 unit townhouse development. The forest has giant oak trees, the tenth largest reported loblolly pine in the state, and Atlantic white cedar trees. It is a little gem surrounded by existing development. I am doing what I can to keep it there.

A tree has been named for me!

2011-10-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

I was so thrilled and honored last week when the cofounder of the Eastern Native Tree Society, Bob Leverett, dedicated a giant old white pine as the "Joan Maloof Pine." The tree is at the William Cullen Bryant homestead forest in western Massachusetts it is 11.5 feet in circumference and over 150 feet tall!. I was in Massachusetts to attend the 7th annual Eastern Native Tree Summit. What a great group of people! Here is more info about that organization, and a link:http://www.nativetreesociety.org/

The Eastern Native Tree Society (ENTS) is a cyberspace interest group devoted to the documentation and celebration of trees and forests of the eastern North America and around the world, through art, poetry, music, mythology, science, medicine, wood crafts, and collecting research data for a variety of purposes. ENTS is the premiere tree measuring group of the eastern forest. ENTS is a discussion forum for people who view trees and forests not just as a crop to be harvested, but also as something of value in their own right. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in trees living anywhere in the world.

Article in the Washington Post about the Old-Growth Forest Network

2011-10-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the Article in the Washington Post about the Old-Growth Forest Network

The photos of me are a little "cheese cake" if you know what I mean, but I'm glad the project is getting some press. Looking forward to my talks in DC this week...see the events section for places and dates.

500 year Forest Foundation

2011-09-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

500 year Forest Foundation is a great organization started by Ted Harris. We met in Richmond, VA, yesterday to discuss the commonalities and differences among our organizations. Commonalities? We need more mature forests! Differences? the Old-Growth Forest Network wants to be sure mature forests are alway accessible to the public. Being in Richmond was a good opportunity to visit some family (the Wolfe clan) and stop in at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation -- where the Old Growth Forest Network idea was well recieved.

Old-Growth Forest Network website

2011-08-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Schoolhouse Woods, Wye Wildlife Management Area, Queen Anne's County, MD

The Old-Growth Forest Network now has a website, thanks to intern Jameson Harrington.

Website for the Old-Growth Forest Network

Schoolhouse Woods (in photo) will be the perfect forest in the network for Queen Anne's County, MD. This forest is small -- only about 20 acres -- but it is so impressive with its massive trees of many species. This is the forest I wrote about in the first chapter of my book Teaching the Trees. I visited the forest again last week with documentary maker John Fine. He is trying to raise funds to make a documentary on Trees.

Tom Horton's review of 'Among the Ancients'

2011-08-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Review of 'Among the Ancients' by Tom Horton

Tom is such a fabulous writer and I am honored that he wrote such a perfect review of my book, 'Among the Ancients.'

Looking forward to my reading at Barnes and Noble in Owings Mills tomorrow

2011-07-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Tim Wheeler, from the Baltimore Sun, posted a nice blog about my book and reading tomorrow night. So now I'm blogging about his blog. (It's almost 2012 isn't it?)
Here's the link to his blog:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/green/

Stay cool.

Reading for "The Fifteen" in Santa Fe

2011-06-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Part of "The Fifteen" in Santa Fe. I had a lovely time talking with this group - - the oldest women's literary group west of the Mississippi.

I love natural hot springs! And I was lucky to get to visit one on this trip.What you have to be there to experience is the lovely smell of sage and pinyon pine.

Lots of art everywhere in Santa Fe.

Got to reconnect with my cousin Diane. She and her husband Bob have a lovely traditional style house. We took a great high altitude hike through aspen groves.

On the radio...walking through the woods with Marc Steiner

2011-05-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

steiner_11_5_26_hr2.mp3

The link above is to a long radio program which resulted from taking a walk in the woods with Marc Steiner at the end of May. It's about an hour long. Enjoy!

Books, books, books...

2011-05-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

In case you are confused...there are two new books available from the Maloof household about trees. "Among the Ancients" is the book I wrote about visiting old-growth forests in the eastern states. It was published by the wonderful people at Ruka Press. You can order the book from them or from Amazon, or from your favorite independent bookstore (preferred). The other book, "A Path to Beauty: Ecology of Ancient Forests," is a book that Rick and I worked on together. It contains minimal text, quotes about beauty, and over forty of Rick's beautiful photographs. That book is self-published with the help of the many gifts in his memory.

I am also blessed that "Teaching the Trees," my first book, continues to sell well and touch many readers.

A Path to Beauty: Ecology of Ancient Forests - Rick's memorial book is now for sale

2011-05-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

A Path to Beauty: Ecology of Ancient Forests by Joan Maloof

Make Your Own Book

Article about the book in today's Daily Times

2011-04-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110429/LIFESTYLE/104290317/1024/Writer-inspired-by-nature

A nice article in today's Daily Times.

Holy Web - in Super Conciousness

2011-04-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am honored to have an article in this month's Super Conciousness magazine.

Holy Web by Joan Maloof:

http://www.superconsciousness.com/topics/environment/spiritual-ecology

(thanks for the image Rick)

The book is here! Signing at Barnes and Nobles

2011-04-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Week everyone! My book Among the Ancients: Adventures in the Eastern Old-Growth Forests has arrived. My first signing is Saturday, May 7th, 1 pm at the Barnes and Nobles in Salisbury. The link below has details and directions:

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3095870

If you can't make it Saturday, but you'd like your very own copy you can order it from my publisher's website. (If you put PRE in the code box you'll get $5 off.) That web address is:

www.rukapress.com

Or you can order it online from Amazon, or special order it from your favorite locally owned bookstore. So many choices!

My new book is at the printers

2011-03-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

SU professor authors new book, ‘Among the Ancients’ The Daily Times delmarvanow.com

The link above is from today's Daily Times - it's the first publicity for book #2 which is at the printers now!

Liz and Dan at Ruka Press are doing a great job.

Which book cover do you like for "Among the Ancients"?

2010-09-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

My press is deciding on a book cover right now! To see the choices and voice your opinion click this link: http://www.rukapress.com/vote-on-cover-ancients/#more-74

Very exciting! Thanks Ruka.

Getting to Old Growth - my second book -just signed

2010-07-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

The good news of the week is that my second book, "Getting to Old Growth," has just been signed for publication with Ruka Press. More details about the book and the press are available from this link:

http://www.rukapress.com/maloof-signs/

Measuring the Beauty of Forests

2010-06-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

My research on measuring the beauty of forests was just published in the International Journal of Environmental Studies. The link below leads to the full article, but the short story is that mature forests are more beautiful than young forests. (I think we already knew that, but here is the data to prove it.)

http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~jemaloof/manuscripts/Measuring%20the%20BeautyofForests.pdf

New tricks

2010-06-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am now SCUBA certified! The life forms in our oceans are amazingly beautiful. (And yes, if you look very closely that IS a shark in the background.)

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

The Chesapeake Forest manager hugs a white oak tree in the Corbin Canyon area of the Pocomoke State Forest.

After a group of foresters, auditors, botanists and advisory committee members (that's me) visited the forest last week, it was decided that the forest will not be logged. I am celebrating!

2010-02-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

The comment period for Pocomoke State Forest logging plans has been extended until March 1st because of the snowy weather. If you are a Maryland resident please consider sending your comments to sbennett@dnr.state.md.us

Logging the Pocomoke State Forest?

2010-01-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, once again this year the Maryland Forest Service is planning to log more of the Pocomoke State Forest. Dr. Joan Maloof, the ecology representative of the forest’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee, is particularly disturbed about plans to harvest in the “Corbin Canyon” area of the State Forest. “This is one of the most beautiful forests on the Eastern Shore,” she says. “In every season one comes away refreshed and renewed after spending time in the Corbin Canyon. In the winter small, twisting streams run through the forests – these are the headwaters of the Corbin Branch, a tributary of the Pocomoke River. In the spring there are mountain laurel and blueberry flowers everywhere, and the birds return. In the summer one may be surprised by spotting rare wild orchids, and in the fall the many species of native trees and mushrooms fill the forest with their own special hues.”
“Although the Forest Service plans to leave a buffer around the streams, logging will fragment the forest – making it less valuable for wildlife – and more vulnerable to invasive species. It will also destroy the aesthetic value of the forest. I would like to see this special area left uncut,” she says – “for the plants and animals that live there now, and also for the present and future generations of human visitors. I would like to see it designated as either park land or wildland.”
The public comment period for the annual work plan runs from January 14 – February 14. A comment area should be available online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/. (Although it was not available at the time of this posting.) The plan which proposes logging in Corbin Canyon is the 2011 plan. If you cannot find the comment area on the website, or if you would like to speak with someone by telephone, you may call the Pocomoke State Forest at 410-632-3732 or Steven Koehn, the State Forester in Annapolis, at 410-260-8531 (skoehn@dnr.state.md.us). This forest belongs to you, this is your opportunity to make your feelings known. The timber industry representative is in favor of logging in the Corbin Canyon area.
Directions to the forest: Snow Hill Road (Rt 12) to Nassawango Road (just before the town of Snow Hill). Past the Nassawango Golf Course make a right onto Camp Road. Soon you will come to a recreational parking area on the left. Milburn Landing Tract 16 Stand 10 begins directly across the road from this parking area. Walk to the north and you will see the two gated paths that lead to the interior of the forest. Free and open to the public.

Maryland Tree Lovers Event

2009-11-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Calling all tree lovers. Join us in Germantown, Maryland as we tour a forest at risk. We will also be measuring a champion elm tree for the state registry. Meet at the big globe on the Germantown campus of Montgomery County Community College, 11am, Wed. Nov. 11th.

Canadian Old Growth

2009-09-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

In June I attended the biannual meeting of the Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment in Victoria, British Columbia. This was a great excuse to visit some old-growth forests in Canada. Rick (Maloof) was able to travel with me and he took some great photographs (as usual). On the LONG bus ride to get to the forest we had a chance to visit with Simmons Buntin who has created an excellent electronic journal: Terrain.org. Please check out this link to see his journal and our contribution to it.

Ken Wu and the Fight for Canada's Remaining Pacific Coast Old-Growth, with Online Slideshow

Happy Earth Day! Baltimore Sun article

2009-04-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's raining again and all is green outside my window. This morning the Baltimore Sun had an article about my Champion Tree work. Here is the link to the article:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bay_environment/bal-te.md.scenes22apr22,0,451058.story

If you're interested you might also want to check out the Champion Tree website I produced with the help of former student Ronald Lindblom and fellow faculty member Chris Briand:

http://www.wicomicobigtrees.info/

Yesterday faculty member Aaron Hogue brought his mammalogy class to Pirates Wharf. We found lots of otter sign, examined an active fox den (and a fox even showed itself across the field and held still until the whole class could see it through my binoculars), and confirmed my suspicions of a groundhog burrow. As soon as the bus pulled out a groundhog ran across the wharf. There is so much life here!

Champion tree video

2009-04-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

A link to a short video of me measuring a champion black gum tree. Produced by the Baltimore Sun.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3651116