THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED: South Hero Land Trust is postponing all events at the moment in response to COVID-19. Sign up for our email newsletter or check our Facebook page for up-to-date changes. Thank you.

The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect native to Asia, which is currently ravaging ash trees across America. Since the first infestation was discovered in Michigan in 2002, it has since spread to 35 states. The emerald ash borer devastates the ash tree populations wherever it spreads, usually leaving less than 5% of ash trees standing. Last year, the emerald ash borer was detected in Grand Isle County, and since then people across the Islands have been coming together to face this challenge.

Last year the Grand Isle County Emerald Ash Borer Task Force was formed to help organize efforts county-wide. Task Force leader Bill Baron will be coming to the Worthen Library in South Hero on Tuesday, March 17th to give a talk and lead a discussion about this invasive pest and how we can fight it.

According to Nancy Patch, our county forester, about 40% of trees in the Islands are estimated to be ash, so this is a widespread issue that affects us all. Whether you are a landowner, a resident, a concerned citizen, or simply someone who cares about the health of our forests, this will be an important event to attend. Bill will touch on important steps we can make to slow the spread of EAB, options for protecting individual ash using pesticides, handling dying and diseased trees, how to identify EAB, and more. Please bring your questions.

Location: Worthen Library Community Room, South Hero

Date & Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Tuesday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day)

This event is free and open to all. Send questions to guy@shlt.org.