Exotic Beetle Threatens Neighborhood’s Ash Trees

A beetle could kill the neighborhood’s ash trees if they aren’t indentified and inoculated, officials said.

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle from Asia. Scientists first found it in Michigan in 2002 and since then, it’s killed more than 20 million trees.

That’s why Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar’s office is hosting a meeting to raise awareness about the Emerald Ash Borer.

Officials are asking residents to help identify ash trees in the neighborhood. 

The forum—set for 7 p.m. Thursday at Bethany UCC, 4250 N. Paulina Ave.—is free and open to the public.

The ward’s Green Council will join John Friedmann of the North River Commission in helping residents identify ash trees.

If left untreated, 98 percent of the ash trees will die, said Dara Salk, with the ward office.

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