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Our Advocacy Role - Emerald Ash Borer

  

 EcoMythsAlliance.org

  

 
As you know, the invasive Emerald ash borer has already killed tens of millions of ash trees in the U.S., and is on its way to damaging millions more. To help shed some light on the problem, EcoMyths asked a few expert scientists, arborists, and foresters for the scoop. To learn more go to, For Richer or Borer: Does Loving Ash Trees Mean Cutting Them Down? Cartoon Courtesy of EcoMythsAlliance.org

"Where Have All the Ashes Gone?" Andrea Dierich, Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Project Coordinator at The Morton Arboretum talks about Emerald Ash Borer. (Audio: 8:24 minutes) 

Invasive Species Awareness


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.

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's Community Trees program focuses on urban forestry outreach and assistance to civic leaders, public officials, communities, volunteers, and green industry professionals to promote effective tree stewardship throughout the Chicago Region.  Community Trees is working with many communities where EAB has become a problem.  Our Forest Pest Outreach Program provides new and current information on infestations (including EAB) to support communities with education and resources, in order that they may respond quickly to any forest pest challenges.

Behind the scenes, the Collections team secured a grant to evaluate the susceptibility of different types of ash to EAB. Leaflets from chinese ash seedlings,  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.