Hosted by Rainbow Ecoscience and Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA).
Emerald ash borer (EAB) has arguably been the most devastating pest in the US in the last 20 years. What have we learned in that time? Can we apply those lessons learned to protect more communities and save more ash trees?
Join us for this workshop hosted by Rainbow Ecoscience and the Society of Municipal Arborists. We'll discuss how municipal foresters, arborists, and landscape professionals can protect more ash trees, what has been done since EAB was first confirmed in IA in 2010, what the latest research shows, and how to best protect trees with the latest technology and techniques.
Venue: McGovern Alumni Center | Diederich Atrium
1241 N University Dr, Fargo, ND 58102
Parking Instructions: Please park in the MU lot (Kiosk Parking)
Date: August 2nd 2022
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
ISA CEUs
Lunch Provided
Free Event
Registration
Agenda
8:00-8:30 am Registration / Sign In
8:30-8:45 am Introductions and Welcome
Erik Lindberg, Lead Technical Advisor, Rainbow Ecoscience
8:45-9:15 am After 20 years of anticipation, now what? Current EAB efforts in North Dakota.
John Mortenson, Plant Protection Specialist, North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Abstract: ND Department of Agriculture and partner agencies have been preparing and training on emerald ash borer for at least 15 years. While efforts have shifted as the years have gone by, NDDA continues to conduct outreach and pay close attention to the eventual arrival of EAB and the effects the insect will have on North Dakota’s most widely dispersed native tree.
Speaker Bio: John Mortenson
John Mortenson coordinates biological control and hemp program, and conducts nursery inspections North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA). He has worked for NDDA for 3 years. Before working for NDDA John spent time working for USDA-NRCS, South McLean Soil Conservation, and ND Game & Fish. John is originally from Wahpeton, ND and graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management and range science.
9:15-10:15 am EAB: To Treat or Not to Treat – That is the Question
Erik Lindberg, Lead Technical Advisor, Rainbow Ecoscience
Abstract: Emerald ash borer has arguably been the most devastating invasive insect in the last 20 years since it was first found in Michigan in 2002. While it has not yet been confirmed in North Dakota, it continues to spread to new communities every year. It is vital that municipalities with ash populations have a plan in place to effectively manage it. This presentation will discuss the impact of EAB, sign/symptoms, determining municipal budget allocations, how to determine which trees to target, and a toolbox approach to manage EAB.
Speaker Bio: Erik Lindberg
Erik provides education and training to Rainbow’s clients. He also works with the research and development department in conducting trials, analyzing data, and writing research reports. Erik received his bachelors from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire majoring in Ecology and Environmental Biology with a chemistry minor. He has a M.S. in Biology with an emphasis in forest ecology from Texas Tech University. He is a licensed pesticide applicator in Minnesota and previously worked as a R&D project manager and plant healthcare technician for Rainbow.
10:15-10:30 am Break
10:30- 11:30 am Herd Immunity: Its use and benefit for maintaining ash in the community forest
Dr. John Ball, Forest Health Specialist and Professor of Forestry, State of South Dakota and South Dakota State University
Abstract: While the survival of untreated native ash species from emerald ash borer is in the single digits, we need to maintain these species as part of the community forest. Herd immunity has been mentioned as a means of ensuring the survival of ash in community forests. This presentation will explain the concept of herd immunity and the on-going study of its effectiveness as a management option.
Speaker Bio: Dr. John Ball
John Ball, MS and PhD in Forest Entomology from Michigan State University where I worked on Agrilus, currently Forest Health Specialist for the State of South Dakota and Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University.
11:30- 12:30 pm Woody Plant Diversity and the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program
Dr. Todd West, Professor, North Dakota State University
Abstract: There are so many issues and problems affecting trees on boulevards and in landscapes. Todd will discuss why tree diversity is important and how “new” trees are developed. He will give an update on research that is being conducted by the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program and the impact that it will have on diversity and new plant availability.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Todd West
Dr. Todd P. West is currently a Professor at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and director of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program. He earned his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program focuses on the development of new woody cultivars suited for USDA hardiness zone 3 and 4. A few of his favorite things are spending time with his family, wandering around an arboretum and old cars.
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30-2:00 pm Emerald Ash Borer - Tree Injection Demonstrations & Training
Erik Lindberg, Lead Technical Advisor, Rainbow Ecoscience
Abstract: During this demonstration, we’ll show you how to get efficient and predictable control for emerald ash borer using the latest tree injection technology, tree injection best practices, and tips for optimal uptake, timing, and product distribution.
2:00 – 2:30 pm Emerald Ash Borer – Bark Spray and Soil Injection Demonstrations & Training
Blake Thilmony, R&D Project Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience
Abstract: During this demonstration, we’ll show you how to get efficient and predictable control for emerald ash borer using the latest application techniques for conducting systemic bark sprays and optimizing efficiency through soil injection using the HTI 2000.
Speaker Bio: Blake Thilmony
Blake Thilmony is the R&D Project Manager for Rainbow Ecoscience. Prior to taking on her role in R&D, she was an emerald ash borer technician, injectcare and plant health care crew member, and a vegetation management technician for Rainbow's service company in Minneapolis. She has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Natural Resource Management with a minor in Chemistry and a Master's Degree in Plant Science, both from North Dakota State University. Her hobbies include: traveling, hanging out somewhere around lakes, mountains, and trees, and hiking and backpacking adventures. Her favorite tree is a Rainbow Eucalyptus. If she was hosting a dinner part and could invite any guests (alive or dead), she would choose Charles Darwin, Aldo Leopold, John Muir, and Gifford Pinchot.
2:30- 2:45 pm Closing Remarks and ISA Credits
2:45-3:15 pm Social Time
