This Ash Identification event is part of a series of educational walks designed to raise public awareness and encourage stewardship of ash trees, which the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle critically threatens. This program aims to protect Maine’s forest ecosystems and support the cultural traditions of the Wabanaki people, who have long relied on Brown Ash for basket making. Each walk in the series will equip participants with practical skills they can apply in their own forests and communities to help protect and preserve ash in Maine. This series is co-hosted by the Wild Seed Project, Royal River Conservation Trust, and Presumpscot River Land Trust and is part of the larger statewide efforts of the Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik (APCAW).
In this session, you’ll learn how to identify ash trees by their bark, branch/bud arrangement, and leaves. We’ll also discuss the threats posed by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer and the steps we can take to protect these vital trees.
Participants should wear waterproof boots and be prepared to hike off-trail!
Full series:
Thursdays 4:00 - 5:30
5/1 Ash Identification at Intervale Preserve, New Gloucester
6/5 Ash Inventory at Mill Brook Preserve, Westbrook
9/11 Ash Seed Collection, Location TBD
10/16 Ash Seed Sowing & Planting at Black Brook Preserve, Windham