America’s trees are under attack. Help us track down the killer beetles.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle has destroyed millions of ash trees throughout the United States. The USDA and (Organization) are partnering to ask members of (Organization) to participate in the Volunteer EAB Forest Pest Survey. We need your help to determine if this damaging forest pest is in your community.
The EAB most likely arrived in the United States inside solid wood packing material from Asia. Since its discovery, EAB infestations have been reported in 13 states and there could be other undetected infestations in the country as well.
Be an ace beetle detective. Start searching today.
You can help us stop the spread of the beetle — and the devastation to our forests, parks and neighborhoods — by searching your community for signs of the EAB. Just follow these simple steps:
- Review the attached fact sheet to become familiar with the EAB as well as signs of damage. Take the fact sheet for reference when you search.
- Locate host trees in your search area. The EAB lives in ash trees. Carefully examine each tree for signs of infestation. Take notes on the following:
- Area searched.
- Descriptions of any beetles or signs of infestation detected. It is also helpful to take pictures of the insects or damage to your trees.
- If you observe beetles or signs of infestation, contact your USDA/APHIS State Plant Health Director. Go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/services/report_pest_disease/report_pest_disease.shtml to find your State Plant Health Director.
- Report both positive and negative sightings online at BeetleDetectives.com. Negative sightings help confirm that the beetle was not found in your area. Make sure you indicate your organization’s name on the online reporting form.
- Help your organization become top-ranked beetle detectives.
At BeetleDetectives.com, we will rank participating organizations based on the reports their members submit. If you know other people who would like to help protect our trees, forward this email to them and ask them to report their findings as an individual.
Thanks in advance for helping protect America’s trees!
Bernetta Barco
State Plant Health Director
Larry Nichols State Plant Regulatory Official Office of Plant & Pest Services
P.O. Box 1163 102 Governor Street Richmond, VA 232119
Tel: 804 786-3515 Fax: 804 371-1793
- The Virginia Cooperative Extension office of James City County and the James City County-Williamsburg Master Gardener Association will present a one-day symposium, Healing thru Gardening in Williamsburg on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
- The symposium is designed for professionals, allied professionals and community volunteers who work with persons with special needs. Our Keynote speaker will be Dr. Diane Relf, founding member of AHTA, founder of the “People-Plant Council”, Therapeutic Gardening Workshops, and Professor Emeritus, VA Tech. Other speakers include Kirk Ballin, Virginia AgrAbility; Dr. Pamela Perkins , a member of the American Psychological Association and currently practicing with Jewish Family Services in Richmond; Peggy Krapf, licensed landscape designer, Master Gardener and owner of Hearts Ease Landscape and Garden Design in Toano; and JCC-W Master Gardeners. Topics as wheelchair gardening, developing horticulture skills for the workplace and starting a therapeutic gardening program will be included.
Cost will be $20 per person. This will include continental breakfast, box lunch, and participant materials. We will offer .5 CEU following successful symposium completion.
Registration will open in mid-July and will extend through September 8. Additional information will be distributed via listserve and the VMGA newsletter. Contact Barbara Gustafson (Barbara-sg@cox.net) or Linda Lucas (esllal@cox.net) for additional information.