This is Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, Maine Forest Service encourages action

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry sent this bulletin at 05/20/2026 04:21 PM EDT

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Maine Forest Service

This is Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Maine Forest Service is asking residents, landowners, and municipalities to help slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive insect responsible for killing millions of ash trees across North America.

As the emerald ash borer continues to threaten Maine’s forests and communities, the Maine Forest Service encourages the public to learn how to identify ash trees and signs of infestation, participate in monitoring efforts, and help prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Slow Emerald Ash Borer

Here are five ways to help slow EAB:

White vs brown Ash

Learn how to identify ash trees
May is a great time to identify ash trees. While all the other hardwood trees are leafing out, Maine's ash trees still look like sticks in the sky. For white and green ash, look for opposite branching and small, ridged bark arranged in a diamond pattern. Brown ash bark (also known as black ash) is characteristically gray to dark gray, with a spongy, corky texture. 
Ash Blonding

Learn how to identify signs of emerald ash borer
Now that you know what an ash tree looks like, look for signs of emerald ash borer in the trees. You may spot "blonding" on ash trees, the shallow flecking of the bark by woodpeckers going after EAB larvae and pupae. If you think you see "blonding," take some good quality photos, note your location, and report your findings on the EAB Report Form.
Size

Learn how to identify emerald ash borer
Chances are, you won't see EAB adults in May, but come June, you may see some as they start to emerge from ash trees. If you think you see an EAB, try to capture it or take a photo and report your findings on the EAB Report Form.

Create a girdled ash tree to monitor for emerald ash borer
Your tree can be part of the EAB monitoring network. Knowing the whereabouts of EAB helps the DACF and others make good management decisions about ash.

Leave your firewood at home and prevent the spread of invasive pests 
Planning a camping trip? Learn about Maine’s firewood laws, and get your firewood at the campground or go to FirewoodScout.org to find other local sources.

For more information about emerald ash borer, identification resources, and reporting tools, visit the Maine Forest Service Emerald Ash Borer page.

Photos Courtesy
Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District
Kenneth R. Law (USDA)
Maine Forest Service