UMaine researchers speak at Maine Audubon’s Native Plant Festival

Maine Audubon hosted its sixth annual Native Plant Festival on June 11. The festival’s feature event was an interactive presentation featuring University of Maine researchers who are working to conserve brown ash (Fraxinus nigra). 

John Daigle, a citizen member of the Penobscot Nation and professor of forest recreation management, and Ph.D. students Suzanne Greenlaw of the Maliseet Nation, Tyler Everett of the Mi’kmaq Nation and Emily Francis discussed the cultural and ecological significance of brown ash and the trees’ vulnerabilities climate change, certain forestry practices and the invasive emerald ash borer. The team discussed forest management opportunities to sustain the trees in Maine’s forests in spite of these challenges.

Gabriel Frey, a renown basketmaker and member of the Passamaquoddy Nation, also demonstrated part of the process that Wabanaki artists use to transform ash trees into the baskets that represent New England’s oldest documented artistic tradition. 

More information about this event is available on Maine Audubon’s website.