Ash Borers and Tree Safety

Rod Walton authored this article which was originally published in Fermilab Today:

The Fermilab Village is home to a diverse community of trees, including exotic ornamental varieties and species native to our area. These trees provide a habitat for insects, birds and mammals as well as provide an appealing appearance and welcome shade in the summer. Unfortunately, approximately 150 ash trees exist among this collection.


This is unfortunate because these trees likely will become infected with emerald ash borers, an invasive, imported beetle that has decimated ash tree populations in the Midwest. Trees infected with this pest invariably die within a few years and can cause hazards when located near buildings or roads.

The beetles were first discovered at Fermilab in 2007 along Kirk Road and since then, the infestation has spread to cover the entire site, including the Village. Many ash trees are now dead or dying as a result. Experts from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Morton Arboretum predict that virtually all our mature ash trees will die during the next few years.

In order to manage this imminent problem, Fermilab will begin preemptively removing ash trees in the Village, perhaps as early as this winter. As resources allow, the Roads and Grounds Department will continue to replace trees in the Village where it is appropriate to do so. Replacing these trees is something that our volunteers can help do during events such as our annual Arbor Day celebration. In the natural areas of the site, away from human activity, dead trees will be left standing to provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. These trees will be incorporated into the future management of all Fermilab’s remaining natural areas.

Without prohibitively expensive chemical treatment, there is no viable defense against the emerald ash borer. Local municipalities and forest preserve districts are bracing for this problem now, and many neighboring municipalities are removing ash trees before they die or show overt signs of infestation. Preemptive removal of trees spreads out the cost and manpower needed to remove the trees safely and avoids the risks that standing dead trees create in populated areas.

Turtles in the Land of Accelerators

Blandings Turtle, photo credit:  www.petinfospot.com 

In addition to serving as the summer invasive weed crew, Mike Beck & Kevin Sheehan also performed a turtle survey to verify whether the Blanding’s turtle was still a resident of the Fermilab site and to assess the diversity and health of the turtle populations on site.


Regionally, Blanding’s Turtles, a state threatened species, are suffering due to loss of habitat and other disturbances. More information: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=111615

Three types of traps were set at 7 different locations around the Fermilab site, each for one week.

Kevin & Mike, setting a trap

In total, 48 turtles were caught, including 21 snapping turtles, 25 painted turtles and 2 red-eared sliders. Of the snapping turtles, there were 7 females and 13 males, with an average size of 12.11 inches. Four of the painted turtles were too young to identify whether male or female. Of the rest, there were six females and 15 males. The average size of all of the painted turtles was 5.28 inches. Both of the red-eared turtle captures were females, with an average size of 7.88 inches. While not trapped, a spiny softshell turtle was also identified on site.
 
 

Kevin & a young painted turtle

 
Overall results of the survey indicate that the Fermilab turtle populations are healthy, with few injuries or parasites, particularly since male and females were caught, as well as a variety of age groups.
 
 

Mike and a snapping turtle

The lack of Blanding’s may be attributable to changing ecosystems: including drainage of the marsh where it was previously identified, young ponds and frequent construction on the Fermilab site. In addition, while Blanding’s Turtles can live long lives (up to 80 years), sexual maturity doesn’t occur until around 16 years, leaving plenty of time for predators, including cars, to challenge the turtles’ longevity.

Trap full of young painted turtles

Mike and Kevin suggest improved habitats may help attract non-pioneer species, including the Blanding’s, Map and Stinkpot turtles.

Thanks for your work -- and the interesting results!