Sept. 12-19 is EAB awareness week
In keeping with the flight habits of the emerald ash borer (EAB), the ash tree predator that has destroyed millions of ash trees in the country, Bob Brandt is pictured as he removes one of the “purple traps” used to capture adult EAB beetles. EAB was first located in Vermont in early 2018 in Orange. As of now, 11 different locations in Vermont host infestations by EAB. The latest locations detected are in Londonderry and Springfield/Rockingham areas. It is principally carried by firewood distribution. While the four purple traps set up in Ludlow have shown no signs of EAB, it is only a matter of time before they infest Ludlow’s many ash trees. Brandt is heading a team that is conducting an inventory of Ludlow ash trees. He indicated that he could use additional help in conducting the inventory of the ash trees in all public places in Ludlow, especially right-of-way areas. He may be reached through Ludlow Town Hall at 802-228-2841.
The week of Sept. 12-19 has been designated as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week in Vermont. The week is part of a nationwide effort to raise public understanding of an invasive forest pest that has destroyed millions of ash trees in the U.S. This wood-boring beetle, first found in Vermont in 2018, is now confirmed in eight Vermont counties. Experience in Midwestern states has shown that once this pest is detected in an area, unless treated with insecticides, the majority of ash trees will become infested and die within a decade. State and local agencies are working hard to slow the spread of the borer to give municipalities, private landowners, and forest products businesses time and resources to prepare for the demise of many ash trees.
The Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks, & Recreation, in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets and University of Vermont Extension, encourages Vermonters of all ages to get involved by spreading awareness on social media, organizing a neighborhood ash tree tagging campaign, or planning a Covid-safe community EAB activity during the month of September.
The Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week toolkit (go.uvm.edu/eab-toolkit), available at the website VTinvasives.org, includes many resources and ideas for activities. The toolkit contains information on the emerald ash borer, ash tree identification, and how to conduct a neighborhood tree tagging campaign, as well as videos, posters, sample social media posts, and resources for
educators.
If you have questions about Emerald Ash Borer Awareness week, or if you are planning an event, please contact Ginger Nickerson, UVM Extension Forest Pest Educator, at Ginger.Nickerson@uvm.edu.
