Invasive Tree Pests: Nuisance or Imminent Disaster?

Blue Hill, Maine - Blue Hill Heritage Trust invites landowners and interested members of the public to a two-part presentation on invasive insects that are affecting various tree species.  The presentations will be led by Tony Aman, a local arborist, and Colleen Teerling, an entomologist with the Maine Forest Service.

In the first program, on Wednesday, July 24, Mr. Aman will discuss how to identify several of these insects and the trees they kill.  On July 31, Ms. Teerling will discuss what can be done before and after the insects arrive.  Both presentations will be in the Howard Room of the Blue Hill Library from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Our forest and home landscapes are facing real threats from non-native insect pests, according to Aman. “All hardwood trees, many conifers and even blueberries are on the menu.  Remember the elms forming a cool, comforting canopy above every Main Street in Maine?  Now imagine no shade on Main Street.  Imagine a decimated forest.”

Aman reports that the people of Worcester, Massachusetts know the devastation caused by the Asian Long-horned Beetle and the Midwest has lost most of its ash trees to the Emerald Ash Borer.  “Two other insatiable critters have already arrived in Maine.  The consequences of ignorance and inaction are enormous.  A little knowledge, a bit of planning, and a lot of wisdom can change all that,” said Aman.

For more information contact Tony Aman at 326-4600 or tonytreeguy@gmail.com, or contact Eileen at Blue Hill Heritage Trust, 374-5118 or eileen@bluehillheritagetrust.org.