A tiny threat

The emerald ash borer first showed up in Michigan in 2002. It probably arrived on a container ship from Asia. Since then it has reached 36 states and killed hundreds of millions of trees. None of the 16 species of ash that live in North America have shown resistance.

When ash trees die, the ecosystems they anchor transform profoundly. Where this transition will end is still unknown, but scientists are working to guide land managers to the best possible outcome.

Aerial view of ash forest devastation at Mattawoman Creek, photo by Yazan Hasan

Dead ash grove, Mattawoman Creek

Adult emerald ash borers, Gruner Lab, University of Maryland

Emerald ash borer larva exposed, University of Maryland campus

A "gallery,” the telltale sign of emerald ash borer presence, Tuckahoe Creek wetland

University of Maryland ecologist Diane Leason examines ash tree damage from the emerald ash borer, Patuxent Wetland Park

University of Maryland ecologist Andrew Baldwin takes in widespread ash tree devastation, Tuckahoe Creek wetland

Reflection of dead trees, Patuxent Wetland Park