Our Advocacy Role - Emerald Ash Borer

The Morton Arboretum was highly instrumental in crafting a plan to get Illinois ready for the discovery of Emerald ash borer (EAB).

In 2003, the Arboretum brought together a Readiness Planning Team with more than 40 representatives from state, federal, county, and municipal governments, the green industry, and non-profit organizations. The Readiness Plan charged the Arboretum with conducting surveys to detect the presence of EAB using trap trees that were likely infestation targets. Last year, trap trees detected EAB in three locations, including one that was six miles outside the Kane County quarantine zone. 

Most recently, Arboretum Research Associate Fredric Miller discovered signs of EAB in Glen Ellyn in March 2009 and brought it to the attention of State officials. The Morton Arboretum continues to reguarly take part in EAB team committees, handling issues such as reforestation, wood utilization, and municipal needs. Edith Makra, Arboretum Comunity Trees Advocate, is a member of the governor's Management and Science Advisory Panel, which helps formulate and recommend policy.

Behind the scenes, this year the Collections team secured a grant to evaluate the susceptibility of different types of ash to EAB. Leaflets from chinese ash seedlings, recently collected by staff in China, will be placed inside a Petri dish with an adult beetle, while researchers observe whether or not the insect feasts on the leaves. If the seedlings are resistant to the insect, the Arboretum may create an ash hybrid in several years. Such a hybrid could replace the 25 million green ashes that are dead or dying of EAB in the United States.

See a Step by Step Readiness Plan, which can guide other states and regions in readiness planning for invasive insects.