Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive pest from Asia that is devastating the population of ash trees in the United States. In Michigan alone, over 20 million trees have died from it since its discovery in 2002. It is now in Illinois. It will continue to spread and will remain a permanent member of our insect population. Ash trees do not have natural defenses to the Emerald Ash Borer; trees of all sizes and conditions have been killed.

How did it get here? It appears to have come to America from cargo crates originating in Asia. Since then, it has moved around the country by its natural spread and people moving trees and firewood from one area to another. Once it is in a community, it can move one mile or more a year.

The insect larvae feed on the xylem of a tree, disrupting the movement of water and nutrients in it. Early symptoms are hard to diagnose. Often the first signs are dieback at the top of the tree. Trees may be infested for several years before symptoms are visible in the canopy. Another indication that your tree has been infested, are D-shaped exit holes on the trunk and branches.

Even with the difficulties presented by the Emerald Ash Borer, there are things you can do to protect your trees. First, take steps to improve the health of the trees. This includes mulching around the trees, fertilizing, watering, etc. Next, there are systemic pesticides that protect the xylem of the tree. When the insect eats the pesticide, it will stop feeding and die. Prevention is the best defense against Emerald Ash Borer. You will need to treat your trees each year to maintain protection. Best results occur after the 2nd year of treatment. Maintaining tree health and a preventative application before the tree is significantly challenged by the Emerald Ash Borer is your best chance of keeping your Ash trees for years to come.

For help with your trees or more information, contact Horticultural Consultants.
Phone (630) 336=4905 email horticarl@yahoo.com.

My Facebook Fan Page

I have started a facebook fan page. Let me know what you think.

Homecoming Celebration at St. James Farm

Bring the family for a celebration of one forest preserve’s heritage at the Homecoming Celebration at St. James this Saturday, May 29, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The celebration features horse and riding demonstrations, hay-wagon rides, interpretive tours, children’s activities, recreation stations, a fine-art fair, live music, food and more. Admission is free. Fees for some activities. St. James Farm Forest Preserve is located on Winfield Road, one-quarter mile north of Butterfield Road, in Warrenville. For more information click this link.

Commissioner Roger Kotecki and I (Commissioner Carl Schultz) will perform at 3:30 - 4:00 on the music stage at the East Barn. Here is the music lineup.Ask Again Later High School Rock Band, 11 a.m. Almost Brothers Band — a tribute to the Allman Brothers and Southern rock, Noon Mark Adamczyk — guitar melodies of folk tunes and classical works, 1 p.m. Julie Kaylin — country cover and adult contemporary tunes, 2 p.m. Roger Kotecki and Carl Schultz — Forest Preserve District of DuPage County commissioners, 3:30 p.m. Ainsworth Rose — Jamaican one-man band, 4 p.m.

This is a fun event. The weatherman says it will be a beautiful day. See you there!

Moving Ahead

Just to follow-up on the Greene Farm Barn...

'On April 20, the Board of Commissioners voted to allocate funds towards stabilizing the barn, including other upgrades to facilitate the barn’s public use for complete renovation when additional funds become available in the future.'

Restoring A Dream - The Greene Farm Barn

The Tribune has an article today about the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's efforts to restore and reuse the Greene Farm Barn in the Greene Valley FP. Bill Greene had originally sold most of his farm to the District in the early 70's at a below market price, because he had wanted it to be preserved as open space for the people in DuPage County. Bill Greene was one of the founding members of the Conservation Foundation. He only sold the land around the house and barn for the full value, so he could set up a trust fund to help maintain it. His intent (that he had included in the paperwork when he deeded the land to the District) was for the buildings to be used for historical, educational, recreational and cultural activities for the people of DuPage County.


Portions of the barn are pre-Civil War. A walk through the barn is a walk throught the history of barn building. At the one end, the beams are put together with mortise and tenon. At the other end, they used steel rods and nails. Many of the stones in foundation was taken from the quarry (Centenial Beach) in Naperville. They paid for the stones by cutting ice in the winter and selling it around town. It took two years to get enough stones for the work. My guess is that the older beams were acorns when George Washington was a boy.


Bill Greene was a Man of Vision. He gave us a marvelous gift. Let's make Bill's dream come true!

Last Few Days To Take The Survey

Saturday, March 27 is the last day to take the Greene Farm Barn Adaptive Re-Use Survey. We want to know your zip, what you would recommend for improvements to the barn, and any general comments you might have. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Congratulations

Congratulations to those elected as officers for the Naperville Township Republican Organizations.
Chairman - Rachel Ossyra
Vice-Chairman - Matt Carlyle
Recording Secretary - Randy Given
Corresponding Secretary - Paul Santucci
Treasurer - Jim Healy