#stewardship — Public Fediverse posts

#Maine - #EmeraldAshBorer - Watch for #Woodpecker Activity

#MDACF - February 26, 2026

"Emerald ash borer (#AgrilusPlanipennis) has been detected in new towns in Maine. Watch for woodpecker activity and report trees that have signs of emerald ash borer.

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills native ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), resulting in significant cultural, ecological, and economic impacts.

In winter, woodpeckers knock off tree bark in search for food (including EAB larvae), which may help us identify trees with EAB from a distance:

- Light patches of missing bark on stems of ash trees
- Dark chips of ash bark littering the snow
- "S" shaped tunnels underneath the ash bark

Check for these signs while on a snowshoe track, swooshing down slopes, or even sitting down for a meal at your local Chinese restaurant (it happened!). We are actively monitoring for EAB statewide and could use your help checking ash trees.

Stay Informed

Although EAB has caused destruction of ash ecosystems across North America, including here in Maine, there is hope for these trees. In our area, groups like Ash Protection Collaboration Across #Wabanakik (#APCAW) and Sustaining Ash Partners Network (#SAPNe) are building collaborative efforts towards keeping ash in our forests. Join SAP-Ne to learn how to preserve and propagate ash seed and about efforts towards maintaining the genetic diversity of ash in our region."

Learn more:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=13343928

#SolarPunkSunday #SaveTheTrees #Forestry #Stewardship #CitizenScience #InvasiveSpecies #InvasiveSpeciesWeek #NewEngland #ProtectTheSacred
#MaineDepartmentOfAgricultureConservationAndForestry

So, I missed the #EAB update from #MaineDACF, but since I registered for the event, I was sent the link to the video update. One thing I learned is that #Woodpeckers are #EmeraldAshBorer's natural enemy. But once EAB sets in, it's too much for the woodpeckers to handle. But if it's an early infestation, they *might* be able to control it! Just another reason to #GardenForBirds and #FeedTheBirds in the winter (and my woodpecker friends LOVE the wormy suet I make for them).

Here's a screenshot from the presentation. Also, the term "blonding" mentioned in the image refers to the process of older gray bark falling off an ash tree that has an EAB infestation, leaving behind lighter-colored newer bark.

The full video can be viewed at this link (includes transcript):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ogbMReBx38

#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees
#SaveTheForests #ProtectTheTrees #ProtectTheSacred #Stewardship #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol #MaineTrees #MaineForestryService #MDIFW

So, I heard back from #MDIFW about #EAB in our area. Apparently, my town is one that was recently identified to have Emerald Ash Borer outbreaks. They gave me information about treating the #GreenAsh trees (or taking them down), and an arborist friend of mine down the road was recommended to deal with infested trees. #MDOT may be responsible for taking down the ones by the road that are too far gone, but I'll let them know that there's someone nearby who they could hire to do that. I'll be talking to the neighbors who have the tree that might be saved about pesticide application. The #WhiteAsh tree by the #SacoRiver (which I don't think is infected), would be tricky to deal with, since pesticides could get into the river (though it's not like the Saco is potable water anyways -- but still. And it flows into the ocean). Anyhow, I have a plan of action. I'll provide updates on the trees as needed.

#MaineTrees #CitizenScience
#EmeraldAshBorer #SaveTheTrees #InvasiveSpecies #ProtectTheTrees #Stewardship #YorkCountyMaine

#AshTree update. I went down to the Saco River and positively identified a White Ash tree that might *not* have #EAB (Emerald Ash Borer). It did have a lot of invasive vines choking it out (Oriental Bittersweet being one), so I did my best to cut and remove the vines. The tree also had some sprouty bits emerging. Not sure what that means. I'm wondering if I could safely remove those and get them to root, but I'll leave them alone until I find out. I still have to report the infected Green Ash trees down the street to #MDIFW, and find out what should be done with them (not on our property, but a parcel that's about to be developed). I want to make sure the owners know to how to dispose of them safely without spreading more EAB.

#MaineTrees #CitizenScience #EmeraldAshBorer #SaveTheTrees #InvasiveSpecies #ProtectTheTrees #Stewardship

So, I identified two of the nearby #AshTrees -- they are both green ash -- and both of them are not doing well. I saw evidence of something digging holes into them, but not 100% certain it's #EAB. I'll be taking another picture when it's sunny to send off to #MDIFW for positive ID. A friend said there might be two more nearby that are in better shape. Checking those out later this week...

#EmeraldAshBorer #MaineTrees #InvasiveSpecies #CitizenScience #Stewardship #ProtectTheTrees