Emerald Ash Borer (photo/ISU Extension)

Emerald Ash Borer (photo/ISU Extension)

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Emerald Ash Borer, which has devastated ash trees in several other states, has found its way to Iowa and now, two meetings have been scheduled to provide information for industry workers and the public.

Most recently identified in a residential tree in Mechanicsville in northern Cedar County, the invasive pest has also been found in Allamakee County in 2010, and in Des Moines County and Jefferson County this summer.

Here is more from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach about the upcoming meetings, both set for Nov. 7 in Cedar Rapids:

Emerald Ash Borer is Here- Now What

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The City of Cedar Rapids, in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will host two informational meetings concerning the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic, destructive insect of ash trees. EAB now has been positively identified in four Iowa locations, most recently in Mechanicsville.

“These meetings are designed to provide helpful, usable information to prepare for one of the most destructive insects to hit the urban forest in decades,” said Mark Shour, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Entomologist.

The meetings will be held Nov. 7 at the Ladd Library Community Room, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids. An afternoon meeting is planned for people working in the Green Industry – arborists, urban foresters, public works and parks personnel, horticulturalists, Master Gardeners, tree trimmers, landscapers, nursery centers, commercial pesticide applicators; and an evening public meeting is scheduled for homeowners and others interested in the topic.

Todd Fagan, Cedar Rapids City Arborist ; Mark Vitosh, Iowa Department of Natural Resources District Forester; Robin Pruisner, Iowa’s State Entomologist ; and Mark Shour, entomologist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will present information at the meetings. They will share EAB and ash tree information to help participants learn

·         How to identify EAB

·         How to identify an ash tree

·         Signs of EAB infestation

·         If the tree is safe and if it is a candidate for treatment

·         How spread of EAB is being restricted

·         Bark peeling – how to find EAB in tree (Green Industry meeting)

·         Ash tree replacement options (public meeting)

 

Cedar Rapids EAB meetings

The Nov. 7 EAB meetings are free and registration is not required. Meetings will be held at the Ladd Library Community Room, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW.

1:00-4:00 p.m. Green Industry EAB Meeting. A light lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. so participants can look at the latest tree care equipment and visit with company representatives.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Public EAB Meeting – for homeowners and other concerned citizens

For more information about the meetings, call ISU Extension and Outreach – Linn County at 319-377-9839 or email mkenyonb@iastate.edu.