Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week | |
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| May 8, 2007 | |
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May 20 to 26, 2007, is being recognized nationwide as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week. Federal, state, and local agencies and groups are planning various educational activities and releases to the mass media on emerald ash borer during that week. It is thought that a concentrated effort in a short period will attract the public’s attention and increase their awareness and knowledge of this insect that has the potential to eliminate ash trees from North America. Local park districts, municipalities, companies, agencies, and other entities are encouraged to help with this educational effort. If you are able to contact local media, schools, or others to help get out the word about emerald ash borer, your efforts will be appreciated. Emerald ash borer adults are expected to emerge in Illinois in mid-May, so the awareness week will probably coincide with news concerning its appearance. It is likely that additional areas of infestation will be found at this time and over the weeks to follow. If this campaign succeeds, the number of calls and inquiries about emerald ash borer is likely to increase dramatically. This is also a warning to be ready for an influx of interest about this pest. Although there are many excellent sources of information on emerald ash borer, a good place to start is the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s site at http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab/. |