Surveying Trees In Worcester
Colin Novick, Executive Director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust, and family join other volunteers to search Kinney Woods for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle.
Last month the Greater Worcester Land Trust hosted an Asian longhorned beetle (“ALB”) tree survey within Kinney Woods, part of over 100-acres of GWLT conservation land. The area is just 2.5 miles west of a known ALB infestation and is a gateway to many other important areas including Holden Reservoir, Cascades Park, and Boynton Park.
Before the survey there was a brief training session by the GWLT’s executive director, Colin Novick. Volunteers learned exactly what to look for in order to recognize the Asian longhorned beetle: a shiny black body, bright white spots, long banded antennae, and blue-tinged feet. They also learned which trees to survey; Asian longhorned beetle will attack maples, elms, willows, and birches most often and does not attack pine, oak, or fruit trees.
Knowing exactly what Asian longhorned beetle exit holes look like is important for differentiating between holes made by woodpeckers or other insects. Asian longhorned beetle exit holes are perfectly round, a bit smaller than a dime, and located randomly on the tree, while woodpecker holes typically occur in rows or lines.
The group’s youngest members were Colin’s three beetle-expert daughters. Though none of them were even out of elementary school yet, they were among the most knowledgable surveyors. They came armed with binoculars to search high up in the tree’s canopy, pencils to test holes in trees (if the eraser-end goes in 1 inch it may be ALB), and bright flagging tape to mark any trees that may be infested.
Attending a volunteer tree survey is a great way to get field training in identifying Asian longhorned beetle and ALB tree damage. The next Greater Worcester Land Trust ALB tree survey will be held Sept. 24 at 12pm, at God’s Acre, off of Swan Ave. in Worcester. To register, email mary@gwlt.org. If you think you’ve seen an Asian longhorned beetle or signs of ALB tree damage, report it on our website or call toll-free 1-866-702-9938.
