The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is aptly named, as a bright metallic-green beetle whose larvae bore into ash trees and feed underneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. The Emerald Ash Borer, native to Asia, is an invasive species in the United States and were first discovered in Michigan in 2002. It is believed that the Emerald Ash Borer was introduced through wooden packing materials shipped in from China. Since then, EAB has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees -- one of the most valuable and abundant North American trees -- throughout the United States and Canada.
Emerald Ash Borer was first detected in Vermont in Orange County in February of 2018. Vermont has over 150 million ash trees, making up approximately 5% of Vermont’s trees. EAB will, therefore, likely have a significant impact on Vermont forests.
To raise awareness about this destructive forest pest, The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program is partnering with the Young Writers Project to sponsor a youth writing competition. Young authors are encouraged to submit an original work of 750 words on the Emerald Ash Borer and its impact on Vermont’s forests and communities. Details on submission requirements and prizes can be found at https://youngwritersproject.org/node/26248.