Did you know that February is Browntail Moth Awareness Month? This week's newsletter is chock-full of BTM info. What you can do this month can make your summer much more "bare"- able than the last few summers!

 

Browntail moths so annoying they now have their own month in Maine

BDN - Maine’s browntail moth nuisance has risen to the level that state forestry officials feel the pest deserves its own month.

Browntail moths are the source of an ongoing outbreak in Maine that has bugged the state since 2015. The moth caterpillars have toxic hairs that cause an itchy rash in humans.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said February of this year is Browntail Moth Awareness Month. The state is using the month to encourage residents to use the moth’s dormant season to help slow their spread. Read more...

Now is the time to destroy browntail moth nests in your trees

BDN - Browntail moths, which can cause allergic relations in humans due to their toxic tiny hairs, have settled into nests high up in leafless trees for the winter. And that, experts say, is why now is the perfect time to check for browntail moth webs.

The moths are particularly attracted to apple and oak trees, constructing their webs in the fall on the highest branches.

The invasive browntail moth has been steadily moving northward in Maine following the coast since it was introduced in Massachusetts in the late 1800s. Along the way it’s been defoliating trees and causing mild to severe public health issues. Read more...

Trees Start Small and Live Big for your Heart

NMSFA - February is American Heart Month. It’s time to get back to a big, healthy life with simple steps to improve your heart health. Spending time near trees where you live, work and play can improve your overall well-being. A growing pool of research shows that trees reduce pollution, lower blood pressure and heart rate, lower stress and increase physical activity.

The Million Hearts® initiative and CDC Foundation encourage you to “Start Small. Live Big”. Live big by taking healthy steps to get outside and stay active. You can start with some winter aerobic activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, biking, sledding, and walking in nature to temporarily increase heart rate, strengthen your heart and burn calories. It is never too early to start planning for spring. Join us by starting small, so we can all live big by planting a tree this year. You can make a difference in your community with this simple step in your yard, local park, school, or city. Read more...

Bark Bites

Global count estimates Earth has 73,000 tree species – 14% more than reported

Surprising Habitat of Forest Birds Found With the Help of Volunteers

Capturing Carbon documentary spotlights forestry’s climate change role

What happens to trees in winter?

Upcoming Opportunities

Feb 17 -: Knock Out Browntail!, Auburn

Feb 19: Browntail Moth: Reducing the Risk, Deer Isle

Feb 19 - Browntail Moth Field Session, Auburn,10AM. Learn how to recognize and remove Browntail nests. Participants will meet on the Mt. Auburn Avenue side of the Auburn Mall at 10:00AM.

Feb 24 - Tackling Environmental Challenges in Your Community Webinar sponsored by Maine Municipal Association, 9AM

Mar 1 - Browntail Moth Management and Control Workshop,Viles Arboretum, 12PM.

Mar 5 - Maine Arborist Association Annual Meeting