Researchers have determined that heavy woodpecker activity in ash trees in late winter can indicate the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) larvae, according to Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Conservationist Gina Hugo.

 

The EAB larvae have already been confirmed in Shoreview, MN, which is only 30 miles away from Sherburne County, Hugo said.  Early detection is the key to controlling the damaging effects of the infestation, which has resulted in large scale losses of urban ash trees in Detroit and major metropolitan areas in Illinois.

 

The SWCD is currently partnering with the MN Dept. of Agriculture in conducting a volunteer survey that will look for signs of heavy woodpecker activity in late march and early April, Hugo said.  Prospective volunteers are invited to attend a training session Mon., Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Upper Town Room at the Elk River City Hall, which is located at 13065 Orono Parkway in Elk River.

 

Training will include ash tree identification, information on the emerald ash borer life cycle and identification techniques and outdoor field training.  Binoculars are required for survey work in this project, and volunteers will need to furnish a pair for their own use on the project.

 

Potential volunteers should contact Gina Hugo via e-mail at ghugo@sherburneswcd.org, or by phone at 763.241.1170 ext. 101.  The registration deadline is Tue., Feb. 17.