The public is invited to learn more about the current Emerald Ash Borer problem in Iowa and the likelihood of it being in Greene County next week.

The Greene County ISU Extension and Outreach in conjunction with the Jefferson Tree Committee will be hosting a pair of meetings on Monday, April 28th with information about the Emerald Ash Borer.

Extension Coordinator Michael Cooley says speakers from entomologists from ISU Extension and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and a forester from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will cover topics that include how to identify an ash tree and the EAB insect, how to prepare for the pest, assessing tree health along with treatment and possible ash tree removal options.

The first meeting is geared toward any public official or municipal employee in the county from 1-3:30pm at the extension office in Jefferson.  The second meeting is for the general public from 6:30-8pm at Clover Hall on the county fairgrounds.

Any municipal employee or elected official wanting to attend the afternoon session is encouraged to RSVP by Friday.  Cooley explains why they need pre-registration for that meeting.

“Just so we know, if we happen to get so much interest that we need to find a bit larger of a location, we’re able to do so.  So we do ask for an RSVP at least by the end of the day on Friday, the 25th of April so we know how many to plan on.”

The public meeting at night does not require pre-registration.

Cooley points out that the EAB is considered to be the most destructive tree pest that has been seen in the country.  He adds that t has infected nine counties in the past year.  However, there are no current sightings of EAB in Greene County.

For more information, visit the extension’s website by clicking here.