Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and local environmental and municipal partners are hosting three free public information sessions for rural landowners on the effects of the invasive emerald ash borer.
Officials say participants will learn how to combat this destructive insect and manage its effects on forests.
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle native to Asia that arrived in Ontario several years ago.
EAB larvae feed beneath the bark of ash trees, disrupting the movement of water and nutrients, killing 99.9 per cent of all trees they come in contact with.
Flying from ash tree to ash tree, this small emerald beetle continues to spread throughout Ontario and the Credit River watershed, killing native ash trees. CVC and its partners are committed to educating local landowners about their role in the fight against EAB.
“Residents are the first line of defence in helping to reduce the impact of EAB on our environment,” stated Mike Puddister, director of restoration and stewardship for CVC.
“Ash trees are an important part of rural landscapes. Knowing how to properly manage forests and planting new trees for the future will ensure that we have healthy forests and communities for years to come.”
Information sessions will be held:
– Oct. 15 at 7pm at Mold-Master Sportsplex, Gordon Alcott Heritage Hall, 221 Guelph Street in Georgetown; and
– Oct. 16 at 7pm in the Shamrock Room in Centre 2000, 14 Boland Drive, Erin.
Supporting organizations at these information sessions are: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Town of Halton Hills, Region of Halton, Forests Ontario and Grand River Conservation Authority.
Participants will hear from industry experts about the history, spread and biology of EAB.
They will also learn about impacts to woodlots and forests as well as management options for rural landowners.
Visit www.creditvalleyca.ca/eab to register and/or to find out more about identifying the signs of EAB and managing ash trees.
