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Do you know how to identify emerald ash borer? On June 30, 2022, emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic beetle that infests ash trees, was discovered in Forest Grove, Oregon, marking the first confirmation of the invasive pest on the West Coast. In Oregon, the establishment of EAB could devastate whole habitat types that are dominated by Oregon ash such as ash swales and sensitive riparian zones, as well as reduce urban forest cover. This pest has proven deadly to all ash species in North America and Europe, including the native Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia).
- Shoutouts
- Volunteer opportunity: Become a Forest Pest Detector and report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”.
- Continuing education opportunity: Learn how to identify EAB and how to respond if it is found locally. Earn up to 1 hour of continuing education for following these steps:
- Be alert: It is important to stop new outbreaks before they start. Early detection, coupled with rapid response, can stop the spread of new and emerging invasive species before they become established.
- Learn to recognize ash trees.
- Know how to identify the emerald ash borer:
Insect identification: Adult: 7.5 to 13.5 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inch) long, slender, and metallic olive to emerald green; active June through July Larva: 2.6 to 3.2 cm (1 to 1.3 inches) long, creamy white, with bell-shaped segments; found under the bark throughout the year; causes damage to tree by eating tissue below the bark. See photos and learn the hosts, signs and symptoms. - Report sightings of emerald ash borer: Report online at the Oregon Invasive Species Council hotline.
- Share information about emerald ash borer with others, including neighbors, fellow gardeners, hikers, mushroom hunters and campers.
- Do not move or transport ash wood: Even after a tree has died or has been cut down, there is still the possibility for the emerald ash borer to be present in the wood. Keeping the wood on the same site as the infected tree can help to slow the spread of the insect.
- Shoutouts
- Linn Master Gardeners win award for pollinator newsletter! Congratulations to Linn County Master Gardener Association for winning the Marje Luce Search for Excellence from Oregon Master Gardener Association, for their publication Bee Notes.
- In Memory – Marti Olsen. We were sad to learn that onetime Master Gardener volunteer Marti Olsen passed away in July 2022. Fellow volunteers recall that Marti truly loved gardening, especially roses. Marti, we miss you.
- Save the date: Master Gardener Graduation and Celebration 11/19/22
- Rich Little entomology learning opportunities
- Starting soon – LIVE entomology workshops on August 18th from 10 am to 12 noon, and on September 15th 6-8 pm. These will be at the Linn Extension Office and open to both Linn and Benton County Master Gardeners. Sign up HERE.
- Sign up now: 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits will be mailed to participants as soon as they are available. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
- Volunteers needed
- NEW Jul 23 Summer 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz – Online. Report service as Citizen Science: Indirect
- Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
- Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 10:00am-12:00pm. Report service as Educational Garden (Maintenance): Indirect.
- Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
- Continuing education opportunities:
- Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home. Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals.
- Plant a Fall Garden —It is not too late to plant a garden to enjoy in fall through winter. August 11th Thursday 6 pm
- Growing & Using Herbs—Learn to start, grow and care for perennial and annual herbs. August 27th Saturday 10 am
- Harvesting Fruits & Vegetables—How to determine the peak flavor and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. Sept 8th Thursday 10 am and 6 pm
- Diagnostics desk sessions/Office plant clinic. Thursdays 1-3 – learn how to identify and solve insect and plant issues with longtime MGVs Rich and Susan. These two are retired scientists and coordinates of the BEEvent pollinator conference. Sign up and make sure to bring a sample to work on if there’s not one from a client.
- Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
- September 13: Compost Can-do: develop a system that meets your needs
- Find more HERE.
- Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home. Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals.
- Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
- BNC (Basic Needs Center) Food Pantry Welcomes Produce from Home Gardens: The OSU BNC Food Pantry would love any extra produce from your gardens. Our community relishes fresh produce. If you have a surplus, contact the BNC (541-737-3747 / bnc@oregonstate.edu) for best time to drop off.
