Operation Tree Rescue

Remember my Oct. blog about the tree in Winslow Park with the vines covering it? Here it is now, after Operation Tree Rescue! 
It took a while to get those vines cut, but
hopefully they will not have a chance to come
back. With time, the dead vines will fall off and
the tree will be free of its deadly 'alien' invaders.

Do we enjoy fall foliage in CT? It is one of our crown jewels, isn't it?  People come from all over the world to view it.  This popular site tells where to go for best viewing, and when to time your trip: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=322764&depNav_GID=1631

Fall foliage was not in the cards for this tree in Winslow Park this year.  But with a little help from 'Cyndi Lopper' and friends, I think we might see its fall colors next year!  Most of the vines seen here are an invasive species called Asiatic Bittersweet, with trunks that are as big as your arm, or larger!! The trunks wrap around the tree, strangling it .  Homeowners, watch your property.  This stuff is everywhere!  Protect your investment! Don't let your trees look like these below.  You can't even tell what type of trees they are - the vines have covered it like a blanket.  Do you want to help?  Start with your own property, then take a look at our local parks.  If you have any questions about which plants are invasive (but I think we could tell with this one, couldn't we?), go to UConn's website www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwq



 

Global Experience offered in Westport - Rotary Exchange!

My son, Chris just graduated from Staples High School in Westport a few months ago.  Rather than go straight to college, he was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Westport Rotary to spend a year in Brazil.  There, he will take classes with the local students in their native Portuguese (here's Chris with his Physics teacher), stay with 3-4 host families, take sightseeing trips to see the country, and immerse himself in the culture, language, food, climate and lifestyle of  that country!  What a wonderful experience!  I encourage all parents and students to look into this program.  The students are sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs from Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford, Ridgefield and others.  Parents, you don't have to reciprocate by hosting a foreign student, unless you want to.  The application process begins in the fall for international travel the following summer/fall.  Students pick from over 46 countries in Europe, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.  Parents pay a small fee ($300?  I can't remember), as well as the one plane ticket, health insurance and optional side trips.   Rotary pays for schooling abroad, room and board, trips with host families, and even a monthly spending allowance - FOR 10+ MONTHS.  What a fantastic experience!  Why aren't more students doing this?  I have no idea!!!  Details about the Essex Exchange Program can be found at http://www.exchangestudent.org/.  Also, visit the blogs of Westport's 2  2010 exchange students at http://www.sledgenobrasil.blogspot.com/ and http://www.alexinvenezuela.wordpress.com/