Due to the introduction of the emerald ash borer (EAB), cultivated trees and wild populations of our native ashes in the Great Lakes Region are being decimated. This invasive pest native to Asia is continuing to spread despite efforts to quarantine infested areas. As a result, all ash species throughout North America may be threatened. A large-scale collaborative initiative is being launched to collect seed from diverse populations of all native ash species to store at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation in Fort Collins, Colorado. The organizers need individuals who can accurately identify ash species in the field and collect viable seeds free of pests such as ash seed weevils. Horticulturists and field botanists can assist master gardeners and other volunteers in collecting, while public gardens can help spread the word among their visitors and members. For more information on this initiative, go to http://www.ashseed.org/.

Related sites:

USDA-NRCS/ARS/USFS National Ash Tree Seed Collection Initiative:
http://www.ashseed.org/

Information on Fraxinus taxa and distribution maps from USDA PLANTS database:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=FRAXI

Multi-state EAB website:
http://www.emeraldashborer.info/index.cfm

Map of EAB locations as of September 2006
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/eab/multistateeab.pdf

USDA-APHIS information:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/eab/