Sitting in your back yard on a warm day under the shade of a tree is one of the joys of spring, but there are a growing number of threats that could destroy this experience. Invasive species present dangers like those from above in the form of fragile dead ash trees and from below in the form of new tick species. Learning to prevent, protect, or recover from these pests can mitigate their devastation.
Emerald Ash Borer University is an online webinar series produced by a partnership between three universities and the US Forest Service that allows listeners to learn about invasive species and ask questions of experts without leaving their home or office. All webinars are free and many can be used towards continuing education programs (contact Elizabeth Barnes for details). Can’t watch it live? No problem! All webinars are recorded and posted online after the talks. To register go to: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/eabu.php
Spring Program:
Update on Practical Emerald Ash Borer Management
Cliff Sadof, Purdue University
February 5th at 11:00 AM
Emerald ash borer has been tearing through the trees of North America for more than 15 years. In that time it has caused massive destruction to our forests, but we have also learned more effective ways to manage it. This talk will cover the progress that’s been made in the fight against EAB and how you can apply improved management techniques to your own yard or in your tree care business.
Update on Ticks: Diseases and Prevention
Tim McDermott, Extension Educator, Franklin County, OH
February 12th at 11:00 AM
Diseases vectored to producers, livestock and companion animals have dramatically increased in the last several years. New invasive tick species have been discovered and existing species are moving into previously unknown host ranges. Get an update on the state of tick species and the diseases they vector and learn how to develop a personal protective plan for your family, livestock and companion animals.
Replanting After a Crisis: Worcester’s Recovery from Asian Longhorned Beetle
Ruth Seward, Worcester Tree Initiative
March 5th at 11:00 AM
Asian longhorned beetle is a death sentence for any tree it infests. In order to successfully recover from it, cities and communities must be strategic about the trees they choose to replant and how they work together to bring back their urban forests. Worcester Tree Initiative (WTI) was formed in 2009 in order to help replant the 30,000 trees that were initially cut in the Worcester area following an ALB infestation. WTI continually engages with residents in the ALB Zone by offering community planting opportunities as well as tree care education programs. Through partnerships with the City of Worcester Forestry Department, the Dept of Conservation and Recreation and the community at large, 30,000 trees were successfully replanted but the work of WTI remains relevant today as a community advocacy and engagement program of Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Learn how to use the lessons learned in this highly impactful program in your own response to invasive insects.
Dead Ash Dangers and Considerations for Risk and Removal
Lindsey Purcell, Purdue University
April 2nd at 11:00 AM
Injuries and fatalities when felling whole trees is on the rise. Ash trees impacted by the emerald ash borer pose unique hazards and challenges. This presentation will walk through how to identify and mitigate some of the hazards relating to working near or on ash trees.
Emerald Ash Borer: Perspective from a Recently Infested State
Nate Siegert, US Forest Service
To be determined
