Benton Master Gardener eNews

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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

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.

Volunteers needed

Demo Garden Plant Clinic at Benton County Fair 8/3 – 8/6. Various shifts for demo garden volunteers, certified volunteers, and trainees. Participants will be contacted with information on getting fair passes in advance. Sign up.

Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.

Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.

NEW: Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.

Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net

Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.

Continuing education opportunities:

Rich Little entomology learning ops:

desk sessions Thursdays 9-11:30 – learn how to identify and solve insect issues with longtime MGV Rich, a retired entomologist, and coordinator of BEEvent Pollinator Conference. Sign up with Rich on the Benton plant clinic schedule and bring a sample insect or insect-damaged plant.

NEW – Save the dates for live workshops on August 18th from 10 am to 12 noon, and 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 coming soon.

Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:

August 9: Should You Leave Your Leaves? How autumn yard maintenance affects overwintering insects

September 13: Compost Can-do: develop a system that meets your needs

Find more HERE.

BCMGA News

The next board meeting will be Monday, August 8, 3:00-5:00 via Zoom. See email for link to join.

BCMGA Membership Outing in August—Date TBD. The August garden tour will be something special. Most, if not all of you, are familiar with Darren Morgan of Shonnard’s Nursery and his willingness to share his knowledge when speaking at both Gearing Up for Gardening and Insights Into Gardening. Darren has agreed to open his vegetable garden in late August, and he will talk about what he’s growing and why and what he didn’t grow this year and why. We will be able to ask lots of questions and enjoy the garden of one of the preeminent vegetable and fruit authorities in the Willamette Valley. The exact date hasn’t been set yet so stay tuned for further information. For more information, contact Janet Magedanz at jkmagedanz@gmail.com

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.)

None this week.