After you’ve enjoyed your deep fried Thanksgiving turkey, you have probably wondered what to do with the gallons of accompanying grease. While it may seem harmless to pour your used oil down the drain, or try and stash it in the garbage, dumping any amount of cooking oil can damage your local sewage systems and harm wildlife. The solution? Recycle it!
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In 2004, Congress officially recognized the Mighty Oak as our national tree. While no specific species was designated, the entire Quercus genus was given this honor. The significance of oaks extends beyond their individual characteristics. As keystone species, oaks play a crucial role in supporting entire ecosystems. They provide essential sustenance and shelter for wildlife, contribute to soil enrichment, and boast sturdy wood that serves numerous purposes. Moreover, their majestic presence in the landscape has made them iconic symbols of natural beauty.
The 2024 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will feature two oak species, white oak (Quercus alba) and Nutall oak (Quercus texana). Let’s take a deeper dive into the similarities and differences between the two species and help decipher which oak is best for your landscape.
The white oak can soar to a height of 100 feet, with a robust trunk that measures over 3 feet in diameter. Flourishing on fertile slopes or drier uplands, it is instantly recognizable due to its distinct pale bark that give it tree its name. Its leaves, spanning from 6 to 9 inches in length, exhibit deep lobes and rounded contours. In contrast to its red oak counterparts, the white oak lacks bristle tips on its leaves. During the flowering season, the male catkins can reach lengths of 3 to 4 inches, emanating a delightful yellow-green hue. White oaks bears diminutive reddish female flowers, measuring a mere half an inch and small light brown acorns that require at least a single season to reach maturity. As the tree ages its bark undergoes a captivating transformation, evolving from a smooth surface to an invitingly shaggy texture, characterized by loose plates.
The Nuttall oak is also a substantial tree, reaching heights exceeding 75 feet, with a crown extending 30-60 feet and a trunk measuring two or more feet in diameter. This species thrives in forested wetlands and moist areas. Its leaves, measuring 4-6 inches in length, display bristle-tipped lobes. The Nuttall oak bears both male and female flowers, with male catkins reaching 5 inches in length. The acorns of this oak are slightly larger than those of the white oak, and a darker brown. The dark grey bark, which starts off smooth, eventually breaks into scaly plates on larger trunks.
Oaks are a popular species for our native pollinators. Native oak trees are a host to over 500 species of moths and butterflies in the US. This is more than any other native or non-native species, making the oak the Most Valuable Player in an urban landscape. Planting either Nuttall or white oak in your yard is sure to attract birds, butterflies, and wildlife.
The white oak is a popular and long-lived canopy tree – if you only have room for one large shade tree its an excellent choice. This is a slow-growing species; while you may not witness its full splendor in your lifetime, it will be a living legacy for the generations that follow. This tree needs to be planted in sunny areas and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The white oak provides ample shade once it matures, and its leaves change color as the temperature cools. Transplanting the white oak is difficult due to its deep taproot. However, this tree is incredibly stable and can stand tall in the landscape for over 200 years.
Nuttall oak is one of the most well-adapted oaks for general use in urban and suburban landscapes. This species grows fast and can tolerate wet and dry conditions. They need to be planted in an area with access to full sun, offering a spot to sit under for shade in the summer. The dark green glossy leaves turn a beautiful red color right before they start to drop in winter which brings a variety of color to your yard. The acorns are a benefit to wildlife, especially squirrels, but can become messy if not maintained.
Whether it’s the majestic white oak, with its slow growth and long lifespan, or the versatile Nuttall oak, known for its rapid growth and adaptability, both choices offer abundant benefits to your yard! By planting a native oak, you will not only support a diverse array of local caterpillars that transform into beautiful butterflies and moths but also contribute to the vital role of these pollinators. Moreover, the oak’s presence will attract a variety of bird and wildlife species, creating a thriving backyard habitat. There’s no wrong decision when it comes to adding an oak tree to your landscape; its important to consider the specific characteristics and requirements each tree has to ensure its success in your yard. Whether in your yard or on the trail, appreciate the beauty and benefits of these magnificent oaks!
We regret to inform you that the 3R Recycling Drive Thru Event, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023, has been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will keep you updated on the new date of the event, so please stay tuned.
In the meantime, you can visit our Recycle More Guide (http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recyclemore) to explore alternative options for recycling your items before the event takes place.
Thank you for your understanding.
We regret to inform you that the 3R Recycling Drive Thru Event, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023, has been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will keep you updated on the new date of the event, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, you can visit our Recycle More Guide (http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recyclemore) to explore alternative options for recycling your items before the event takes place.
Thank you for your understanding.
Every year The Woodlands celebrates America Recycles Day, one dedicated to promoting waste diversion nationwide, with the 3R Recycling Drive Thru. But did you know that America Recycles Day started right here in Texas?! Two employees at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) proposed the idea to encourage Texans to increase the state recycling rate. When they moved on from TCEQ, their legacy inspired a larger recycling movement and the day was turned into a nationwide holiday. From its start in 1997, America Recycles Day continues to encourage us to consider how we dispose of waste and be conscious about what we buy.
Come celebrate with us at the 3R Recycling Drive Thru Special Collection Event. This is a unique opportunity to recycle items you can’t put in your curbside cart. Last year, over 500 households brought their items to the Drive Thru and kept over 30,000 pounds of waste out of landfill! Join us on Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Woodlands High School Parking Lot (6101 Research Forest Dr).
Please bring only the following items:
Please bag or box items separately by category and place them in your trunk or back seat for safe access by volunteers who will do all the unloading for you! Residents only, no businesses.
Can’t make it to 3R or don’t want to wait for an annual Drive-Thru? The items we’re accepting can be recycled year-round. A full list of local partners for items such as Styrofoam, electronics, lightbulbs, batteries, and more is always available in the Recycle More Guide.
For event updates and more information, contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-281-3800 or visit http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/3Rdrivethru
Questions or comments? Email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
It’s that time of year again where EVERYTHING is pumpkin spice, but these pumpkins take over more than just our grande nonfat latte’s. They’re in our pies, on our front porches, in our gardens, it seems they are always on our mind. Pumpkins are a fall staple just like the falling leaves that lend their name to the season. But what happens to all these pumpkins once their lifecycle is complete?
Each year 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in the landfill – talk about scary! Why is this a problem? Well, landfills are designed to store material, so pumpkins and other organic waste doesn’t actually break down like you would think; the lack of oxygen means buried organic matter will produce methane gas, a leading greenhouse gas. Additionally, a single pumpkin plant needs about 16 gallons of water per week during peak development. If the pumpkins it grew all season are then thrown away that’s like wasting over 100 gallons of water!
This year is the perfect time to add new traditions to your family’s fall fun. Pumpkin fun doesn’t have to end on October 31st. Once Halloween has come and gone, give pumpkins a second life. We are not the only ones who love everything pumpkin. Squirrels, deer, pigs, rabbits, birds, and many other wildlife species would be more than happy to nibble on your spent pumpkins. Check your local zoos or animal sanctuaries to see if they are accepting them as an additional food source for wildlife. Pumpkins for Pigs, a non-profit that helps connect pumpkin consumers with wildlife sanctuaries, is focused on reducing food waste one gourd at a time. Check out their webpage for a list of donation areas near you.
Decaying pumpkins are also the perfect ingredient for making compost. If you have a pile in your backyard, cut the pumpkin into small pieces and add it to your bin with other green material. If you haven’t yet started a compost pile at home, you don’t need to reap the benefits: hovel out a shallow depression in the ground, lay the pumpkin pieces inside and cover with leaves. Nature will get straight to work decomposing and cycling the nutrients back into your landscape.
Let us compost your pumpkins for you! The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department invites all ages to ghoulish green fun at Pumpkin Smash, Saturday November 4, 2023 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sterling Ridge Park and Ride (8001 McBeth Way). Choose your own pumpkin smashing adventure! Catapult it and watch it fly, grab a baseball bat or mallet and smash it to smithereens, or watch it explode on impact from a 50’ drop. There is no limit to the number of pumpkins you can bring, they can be carved, uncarved or painted; remove non-biodegradable materials (candles, stickers, yarn, googly eyes, plastics, etc) because all pumpkin pieces will be transformed into nutrient-rich compost.
With so many options for repurposing pumpkins, the landfill should be the last option. Green your Halloween this year, and for many years to come. For further information email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.