The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB; Agrilus Planipennis), an invasive beetle from East Asia (China, Korea, Russian Far East), was first detected in Michigan, USA in 2002. Since then, it has spread across the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern U.S., killing ash trees in its path. This interpretive hike will explore the life cycle of this invasive beetle, its impacts on Ash forests in the Eastern U.S, and possible treatments to slow the spread. We will take an easy stroll through the Renwick woods, a remnant floodplain forest adjacent to Stewart Park in Ithaca. Several guided activities suitable for both adults and children will introduce you to this small emerald green beetle, how it spreads, and its impacts on ash tree and forest health. We will also discuss strategies for managing the pest through treating trees with chemical insecticides to the searching for natural fungal parasites for biocontrol.

Directions: See https://ithacatrails.org/site/Renwick%20Wildwoods. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 42.460993, Longitude: -76.502192

Registration, Please e-mail or call Organizers Contact: keb45@cornell.edu, (612) 346-6775