May 22-28 is Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week!  But we would like to start earlier than that, especially so that we can honor Maine's Arbor Week, which is celebrated the third week of May.  What would emerald ash borer be without trees!

Here are some events happening in honor of both:

• Demonstration Forest Tree Planting - May 13, 9am-1pm @ PCSWCD Demonstration Forest. Seeking volunteers to replant a former Tamarack plantation with Bur Oak.  Hosted by the Piscataquis Co. Soil and Water Conservation District.  Call, 564-2321, x3. 
• "All Things Invasive" Fair - May 14, 9am-3pm @ Swans Falls, Fryeburg, ME.  Hosted by the Saco River Recreational Council.  A fun day with hands-on learning, raffle prizes, displays, and presentations by invasive species experts.  A free baby tree will be given to all participants.
• Northeast Livestock Exposition, Kids Day - May 20, 10am-4pm @ Windsor Fairgrounds.  We will be onhand with kids crafts to help them learn about Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.
• Bio Blitz - May 26 @ Law Farm. Local naturalists and a representative from the Maine Natural Areas Program will be assisting to create an inventory of flora and fauna, and look for invasive pests.  Hosted by the Piscataquis Co. Soil and Water Conservation District.  Call, 564-2321, x3.  
• Create your own event!  Tag some ash trees in your community.  We will supply the tags and the flagging.  This is a great way to get your neighbors thinking about the impacts of emerald ash borer.  Contact bugwatchme.agr@maine.gov if you would like some tags. 

The browntail moth is expanding its range.  This is a very serious pest.  Not only does this invasive insect defoliate hardwood trees, the caterpillars contain toxic hairs that can cause severe rashes and respiratory problems.  

Previously known only to be a problem in southern and coastal areas of Maine, the winter webs of browntail moth have been observed in areas further north and inland this year.  Below is a map of towns found to have populations of browntail moth based on winter nest observations.  Please heed these precautions if you are near browntail moth.  

Small infestations can often be managed by clipping webs.  This is best done before the caterpillars become active in May.  Pesticides are necessary to manage larger infestations.  There is a list of licensed pesticide applicators that treat browntail moth and other pests of trees and shrubs available on-line or by request.