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Apr 16

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A tiny green insect does major damage

Adult emerald ash borers emerge from an infested ash tree
(Image credit: Deborah Miller, USDA Forest Service)

Tens of millions of ash trees in the U.S have fallen victim to an invasive insect called the emerald ash borer. That’s not just a problem for forests. Trees are important for water quality.

“The roots help control the nitrates and phosphates, which are some of the pollutants that can enter streams and waterways. They also hold the soil in place,” says Alysha Trexler of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. She has organized numerous tree plantings in her state, and she says she no longer plants ash trees at these events.

“I don’t want to plant food for bugs,” she explains.

And she’s not alone. Many communities have stopped planting ash and have begun monitoring and management efforts to try to protect existing trees.

 Get Schooled:

Hear Trexler talk about invasive species in riparian areas and the native species she plants in Pennsylvania:

The fine print:

 

 

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