CTPA Holds EAB Workshop and Training

The CTPA recently held its annual Emerald Ash Borer workshop and training session. This September 21^st meeting was held the furthest east of any of these workshops. It was held at the Middlesex County Extension Center in Haddam, and included a field trip to Haddam Meadows State Park.

45 people register to attend this meeting, including arborists, tree wardens, tree workers and visitors from USDA APHIS. These attendees heard talks from Dr. Claire Rutledge and Dr. Rich Cowles of the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, and Eric Chamberlain of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

In the afternoon, the group traveled to Haddam Meadows, to see the impact of the insect more directly, including a chance to see exit holes left by the adults, bark flecking, bird pecks and, with the help of a draw knife, both galleries and the larvae themselves. The degree of decline and defoliation of individual trees were discussed, with demonstrations of treatment methods given by representatives from Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements, Arborjet and Bioforest Technologies, Inc. These presenters discussed the different pest treatment formulations they use, the differences in their mode of action and effects, and how to best use their products in landscape situations.

For many in attendance, the highlight of the day came when they returned to the Extension Center and had the opportunity to peel infested ash bolts for themselves, finding and collecting larvae that, preserved in alcohol, they could take back to their offices if in-state.

This workshop is notable in that it is the furthest east that CTPA has put on one of these educational events. The emerald ash borer continues its flight across the state, with all towns in New Haven and Middlesex Counties having reported EAB finds, most towns in Hartford, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties and strong headway in New London, Tolland and Windham Counties. (See EAB map).

It is the goal of CTPA and of those who collaborated with the Association on this workshop to encourage all people responsible for trees to be aware of this insect and the problems that it is causing now, as it will eventually be causing these problems everywhere in the state. This includes arborists, tree wardens and tree workers, and also landscapers and property owners.

The CTPA wishes to thank the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, the University of Connecticut Extension program, USDA APHIS, DEEP Parks and DEEP Forestry, for their generous participation in and contributions to this workshop. The Association also thanks Bud Neal, Claire Rutledge, Sandy Ingellis and Cathy Dvorsky, for the commitment and energy they put into making this event happen.

Take that, EAB!