District forester to talk trees Saturday at Salem's Crew Public Library

SALEM ? With the identification of the Emerald Ash Borer in southeast Iowa, there are a growing number of questions about managing and caring for trees in our public and private spaces.

That will be the subject of a presentation Saturday, April 18, given by Lisa Louck, District 5 forester for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The presentation begins at 9:30 a.m., and will be held at the activity room of the Salem Crew Public Library located on the north side of town square in Salem, Iowa.

Louck is just completing the last inventory of trees in the right-of-way in smaller towns (under 5,000) in District 5, which covers Henry, Louisa, Des Moines and Lee counties.

She will talk about the inventory, give examples of trees identified as recommended for removal and explain the factors that should be considered when evaluating and monitoring any trees. The forester will include important factors in the selection, planting, and pruning of replacement and other trees to insure their best long-term health.

Finally, she will discuss strategies for dealing with pests and diseases that we may be facing, including a specific discussion of the emerald ash borer and how to respond to this threat.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Salem Crew Public Library. Mary Hoyer, program chair, commented ?This comprehensive inventory has been a tremendous undertaking and is an important resource for all of us.  It is wonderful that Lisa is willing to spend this time explaining in more depth the results of the tree inventories, so that we can begin to take the steps needed to keep our treescape healthy and vibrant; the trees that add so much to our communities.?

In addition to examples from the inventory, attendees are invited to bring in questions about their own trees ? with a photo if possible.

The meeting is free and open to the general public.  Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Mary Hoyer at 258-2151 or mfessary@gmail.com.