Preserving Ash, Protecting Traditions event in Orland, Maine

APCAW recently partnered with Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, Downeast Audubon, Native Gardens of Blue Hill, and Maine Tree Farm to develop an event for landowners, city and town employees, conservation organizations and their volunteers, foresters, and citizen scientists to learn about the status of emerald ash borer and actions that can be taken to protect ash and by extension, Wabanaki cultural traditions. We were joined by master basketmakers Butch Jacobs and Paula Love and their families, who demonstrated their processes for pounding brown ash into splint materials for basketmaking. We also welcomed MFS leader, Allison Kanoti, to demonstrate emerald ash borer monitoring strategies via trap tree peeling, followed by a series of talks from foresters including Logan Johnson, Jack Chappen, and Ben Arruda who explained their approaches to ash management and silviculture. We look forward to continued partnerships with the attendees and with Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust!

Continued resources for learning include: 1. Journal article about ash preservation values by D’Amato et al. and 2.  Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan for the City of Bangor, ME.