Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive, highly destructive wood-boring beetle that targets and fatally injures all species of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees. Since its detection in 2002 in eastern Canada and the United States, EAB has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees across North America. Alberta’s urban forest canopies and rural ash shelterbelts are now at risk and immediate action is needed. Early detection is vital. Ash trees have been the preferred boulevard and shelterbelt tree, second only to elm species, for their cold-hardiness and ideal canopy shape for decades. They are essential for sustaining biodiversity, resulting in resilient, interconnected ecosystems. They provide foundational ecoservices/relational values that support our quality of life. Community monitoring of early signs and symptoms of EAB supports rapid and targeted response measures giving us the best chance to slow its spread. Visit the project website, www.communityfieldandforest.ca for extensive pest, monitoring, and reporting information. Register and begin uploading your observations of any EAB signs along with advanced symptoms of ash tree decline with the iNaturalist project page: Emerald Ash Borer Monitoring in Alberta.
Emerald Ash Borer Community Monitoring Project
