The emerald ash borer is now threatening black ash tress across its range. The black ash is now considered endangered in Ontario, which has prompted authorities to pursue a recovery strategy to help preserve the species.
Ontario environmentalists are teaming up to fight the invasive emerald ash borer. Here’s how you can help save trees
The Invasive Species Centre has launched a new initiative to raise public awareness about threats posed by the emerald ash borer and the importance of preserving genetic and seed diversity in ash species.
The emerald ash borer is now threatening black ash tress across its range. The black ash is now considered endangered in Ontario, which has prompted authorities to pursue a recovery strategy to help preserve the species.
It’s already wiped out millions of trees across North America. Looking ahead to the spring, Ontario environmental groups are teaming up to help save the province’s beleaguered ash trees from the threat of the emerald ash borer.
Emerald ash borer, an , is now threatening black ash trees across its range. The black ash is now considered endangered in Ontario, which has prompted authorities to pursue a to help preserve the tree species.
New initiative
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On March 18, the Invasive Species Centre announced the launch of a new, three-year initiative in partnership with the National Tree Seed Centre, Forest Gene Conservation Association and the Ontario Forest Research Institute, with funding and support from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Black ash is a tree species at risk in Ontario, largely due to the impact of the emerald ash borer.
Photo courtesy of the Invasive Species Centre
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The initiative aims to raise public awareness about threats posed by the invasive insect and the importance of preserving genetic and seed diversity in ash species, with a special focus on , a species at risk.
According to , black ash trees grow throughout Ontario except in the far north. They are one of the last tree species to display leaves in the spring and are among the first to turn yellow and drop their leaves in the fall. The trees are commonly found in northern swampy woodlands.
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Bumper crop expected
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A potential bumper crop of ash seeds, including black ash, is forecast by the summer of 2026 or 2027, the noted in a news release.
The organization hopes to seize the harvesting opportunity by establishing a volunteer Black Ash Community Action Network.
The network will map existing black ash trees and collect seeds, which are essential for preserving ash species threatened by the emerald ash borer.
Volunteers are needed
In preparation for the upcoming bumper seed crop, a strong base of volunteers and professionals across Ontario will learn to collect ash seeds through a combination of training, outreach and workshops — such as a recent session at Science North in Sudbury.
“We are thrilled to engage with the people of Ontario to help protect native ash species,” said Vincent La Tassa, program development co-ordinator with the Invasive Species Centre. “This project is about collecting seeds to help preserve the genetic diversity of forests and ensure the long-term preservation of species like black ash.”
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How to support the cause
Community members can join the and submit black ash observations.
You can also learn more about emerald ash borer by reviewing the species profile provided by the .
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Mike Pearson is a reporter with Metroland, primarily covering
Haldimand County and Glanbrook. Reach him at mipearson@torstar.ca.
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