U of Ideas in Science -- December 1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Contacts: Jim Barlow, Life Sciences Editor (217) 333-5802; [email protected], or Bob Sampson, Extension Communications Specialist, (217) 244-0225; [email protected]
HOLIDAY HELP
Fun, useful facts about Christmas trees and turkeys now online
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Remember why only the light atop the National Christmas Tree was lit 20 years ago? An acre of Christmas trees daily delivers enough oxygen for how many people? What's the most popular tree chosen in the United States during the holiday season?
The answers: the Iran hostage crisis; 18; and Scotch Pine.
These are just some of the tidbits of Christmas trivia that can be found at a special holiday Web site operated by University of Illinois Extension. The site, part of the Urban Programs Resource Network, offers help to families in choosing their trees, especially in the Midwest, and lots of entertaining and useful information. The site can be found at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees.
"The Christmas tree site includes a list of tree farms where individuals or families can go and cut down their own tree for the holiday," said Jane Scherer, a specialist with the U. of I. Extension's urban programs. "Users also can find information about holiday traditions, recipes for edible Christmas tree ornaments, and tree events like lighting ceremonies."
Visitors can do research on the types of Christmas trees -- among them are Austrian Pine, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Ponderosa Pine and White Spruce -- to determine which one is right for their homes. A common issue also is addressed: how to keep a tree fresh throughout the holiday season.
Another site, actually geared for Thanksgiving (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/turkey), may prove helpful to holiday revelers serving turkey during the Christmas holidays. Users will find recipes for side dishes as well as tips on using leftovers and advice about food safety.
The sites are designed and maintained by Extension professionals. This is the second year for the Christmas tree site and the first for the one devoted to turkey. The Urban Programs Resources Network (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/) offers a variety of programs and Web links providing helpful information and guidance for Illinois residents, families and communities. Included are sites on horticulture, financial matters, nutrition and health, 4-H, parenting and environmental stewardship.
"Each Web site contains a wealth of information that is both entertaining and useful," Scherer said. "Each also includes sections for children's activities. These sites are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whenever people need the information, it is ready for them."
The Urban Program Resources Network Web site was accessed more than 580,000 times in October.
Some other interesting tree facts: More than a million acres in the United States has been planted in Christmas trees by an industry that employs more than 100,000 people; the Christmas tree custom was introduced to the American colonies during the War of Independence by Hessian troops; and Christmas trees take six to eight years to mature.
-jb-
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