White Poplar is a fast-growing, deciduous tree which grows 60 to 100 feet tall with a 40 to 50 foot spread and creates nice shade although it is considered short-lived. When the wind moves the leaves it creates a sparkling effect much like the aspen and cottonwood.

The young leaves of a poplar tree are covered with a white fuzz before they turn green. That white fuzz remains on the underside of the green leaf and contributes to the shimmering look when the wind blows.

Photo Credit: Annette Casados, USFWS

During the Army presence here, other trees were planted around buildings that have since been removed. The trees remain. Primarily ornamental species that include:

• blue spruce
• Rocky Mountain juniper
• green ash
• lilac
• oak
• occassionly plum, chokecherry and Siberian peashrub

RUSSIAN OLIVE trees have invaded along the First Creek corridor. This tree is very invasive along riparian corridors, crowding out native trees and shrubs. The Service is currently implementing a removal plan for them.

For a complete Refuge species 1/14/09class="style1 style2">For in-depth plant information
connect with the U.S. Dept Agriculture Plant Data Base

Most trees at the Refuge were either planted by someone or established as the result of man's past activity here.

Former homesteaders almost always planted some type of "windbreak or "shelterbelt" to protect and shade their farm buildings from the elements.

Trees commonly planted by farmers were

• Siberian elm
• New Mexico Locust
• Cottonwood
• Occassionly, white poplar.