Lesson: Ash tree identification
Imagine your school grounds without its large ash trees... scary, right?
Have you heard of the emerald ash borer? The emerald ash borer is an invasive wood boring beetle that is native to Asia. It was first discovered in North America in 2002 (in the U.S. in 2003).
Adults are metallic-green and grow up to one-half to one-inch long. Although adults cause little damage, the larvae kill ash trees within one-four years by feeding on the inner bark of the trees and preventing the transportation of nutrients. According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, an infestation can be identified by "one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and serpentine tunnels packed with sawdust under the bark."
While you may think it's difficult to identify an ash tree this time of year, it's actually easier after the leaves have fallen. Use the photos to help you identify your school's ash trees. Here are some helpful tips:
Ash have an opposite leaf arrangement, which means, you will always see two leaf scars opposite each other (see photo below).
The leaf scar left behind almost looks like a smile (see photo below).
In addition to ash being easily identified using twigs, buds and leaf scars, ash trees have very discernable bark. Check it out! See the clearly visible X's?
Now that you can identify your school's ash trees, it's time to take action! Take your students outside and identify your ash trees. Imagine what your school grounds would look like if they suddenly disappeared from the landscape. What would happen? Would the playground lose shade? Would your school grounds have two trees left?
Discuss with your students the benefits of trees, then have each student write a letter to your superintendent requesting action! The best way to prepare for the incoming infestation and loss of our state's 900 million ash trees is to start planting trees to replace them, TODAY!
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