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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-CA link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>[ATTACHED photos are removed from the main message and they are accessible at the http links at the bottom of this message.]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Season greetings and all the best in the coming year 2017!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the last two or three years we notice a massive Arbutus menziesii die-off on SW exposed slopes of Observatory Hill, Victoria, BC. Have you seen something similar elsewhere on Vancouver Island or Gulf Islands? Is it the result of the more severe summer drought in the last three years, or are there any other factors that impacted arbutus? In the 2006 winter, we noticed “Christmas naucoria” (Tubaria punicea) growing at the base of many arbutus trees in this particular area. Can such infestation be a factor impacting arbutus?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Also, the rains in the fall came too late and after the rains, many Garry oak trees started to have new leaves and started to flower. Have you seen this phenomenon elsewhere?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Please, reply to us only and we will compile your answers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Many thanks and all the best in the coming year!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Oluna & Adolf Ceska<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>aceska@telus.net</span><o:p></o:p></p></div>
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