Collection of Fraxinus (Ash)
In cooperation with the United States Forest Service National Seed Laboratory we collected five species of Fraxinus for long-term storage and research purposes over the course of three years. Ash trees are at risk in the Mid-Atlantic region due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), whose larvae feed on the inner bark of the tree, inhibiting transportation of water and nutrients. Our collection efforts provide a safeguard against this genus’s extinction.
For species list see Collector’s Resources
New York State Ash Collection Efforts
In 2014 we launched a three year, intensive effort to bank Ash seed throughout New York. Funded by a grant from the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Program, we scouted for suitable ash trees in spring and summer and hosted a series of collection and identification workshops. In the fall, we collected seed with the help of more than 70 volunteers. Over 225 collections were made throughout the state, from the high peaks region of the Adirondacks to the sandy lowlands surrounding Lake Ontario. All seed is banked at the US Forest Service’s Seed Lab in Georgia where it can be safely stored for 50 years and distributed to researchers working to combat the emerald ash borer. This enormous effort has helped ensure the genetic diversity of this important keystone tree will not be lost. Our work in this project is ongoing. If you are interested in participating in these efforts you can fill out a volunteer survey here or contact program manager Molly Marquand. For more information download the following flyer to share with your volunteers or visitors! Ash Program Brochure
Some of our youngest volunteers helping save New York’s ash