See the Trees, Know the Disease

You have probably already heard about the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle's discovery in Concord in 2013.  Perhaps you already know that this insect will have devastating effects on the state's ash tree population in coming years.  Maybe you have even seen a mugshot of this tiny, shiny green beetle.  But did you know that you are very unlikely to ever see the adult beetle, even when the trees in your area become infested with EAB?  Looking for the adult beetle is not the most reliable way to identify new EAB infestations, but there are other telltale signs and symptoms of the bug that you can spot on ash in your area if you know what to look for.  

The Forest Society has partnered with the state's Division of Forests & Lands as well as UNH Cooperative Extension to offer tours of the EAB infestation on our Concord property to any groups or individuals wishing to see and learn about this pest first hand.  Twelve volunteer tour guides have been trained to give a short presentation about EAB and lead groups on field tours of a heavily infested area at the Forest Society's Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area.  The goal is to educate people about how to identify the signs and symptoms of EAB in ash trees, how and where to report their findings, what to do in advance of EAB reaching their area, and what this invasion will ultimately mean for New Hampshire's forests.  Conservation commissions, greenway and hiking groups, garden clubs, and even landscapers or horticulturalists may be interested in scheduling guided EAB field tours. These tours are free, and there is no better way to learn how to identify EAB than to visit an already infested area.  If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please contact Carrie Deegan at cdeegan@forestsociety.org or call 224-9945.