Daily Archives: July 6, 2010

Asian Longhorn Beetles Found in Jamaica Plain

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We just received this information from the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources—please read this, spread the word, and help stop the spread of this critter that required 27,000 trees to be cut down in Worcester in 2008-2009.

This weekend a small infestation of Asian longhorn beetle (ALB) was found in Jamaica Plain (Boston). The site is at Faulkner Hospital, just across from the Arnold Arboretum. Six infested maple trees were found so far, in close proximity to each other, and have already been removed by USDA/DCR. Surveys will continue this week.

It is extremely important that we get the word out ASAP to everyone in the Boston, Brookline and Newton area to be on the lookout for:

1) Adult Asian longhorn beetles (shiny black beetles with white spots and long, banded antennae – picture below)

2) ALB exit holes (dime-sized, perfectly round holes, especially in maple, but also in birch, elm, horse chestnut, willow and other hardwood trees…but not oak)

3) ALB egg-laying sites (divots in the bark ranging in size from 1/4 to 3/4 inches across – fresh pits often have oozing, foaming sap)

Anyone seeing anything suspicious should report it immediately at http://massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or toll-free: 1-866-702-9938.  Take photos if you can.

If you are with an environmental group or other organization that needs outreach materials, we will provide you with free ID cards, fact sheets, etc. Just contact Jen Forman Orth (jennifer.forman-orth@state.ma.us; 617-626-1735)

Spread the word, not the beetle! Get all the latest ALB news at: http://massnrc.org/pests/alb

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Tuesday, July 13, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Friends of the Public Garden All-Star Softball Game

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The Friends of the Public Garden is holding a softball game fundraiser recognizing the role of recreation in the Boston Common, beginning with the Essex Base Ball Organization demonstrating a 19th Century ball game.  You may play for $250, sponsor for $100, or come watch free.  The July 13 event, beginning at 5:30 pm, will take place on the Boston Common Ball Field, Charles and Boylston Streets.  For more information, log on to www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.

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Second Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits

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The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is pleased to announce an opportunity for scientists to inform the nation’s science policy. This August, AIBS — with the support of event sponsors Botanical Society of America, Genetics Society of America, Long Term Ecological Research Network, Society of Systematic Biologists, and University of Michigan Biological Station, and Event Supporter Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve — Stanford University — will convene the 2nd Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event.

This nationwide event enables scientists to meet with their members of Congress in their own district rather than in Washington, DC, and allows elected officials to learn first-hand about the science and research facilities in their district. This initiative is an opportunity to show elected officials how science is conducted and to showcase the people, equipment and facilities that are required to support and conduct scientific research.

The 2nd Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event will be held throughout the month of August 2010.

Each August, Representatives and Senators spend time in their Congressional districts and home states. This event is an opportunity for scientists and representatives of research facilities to meet with their member of Congress to demonstrate how science is conducted and why a sustained investment in research and education programs must be a national priority. Participating scientists will either meet with their elected officials at a district office or may invite them to visit their research facility.

Participants will be prepared for their congressional meetings by AIBS Public Policy Office staff. Training for this event will be conducted through an interactive webinar program. In addition, participants will receive information about federal appropriations for biological and environmental research, tips for conducting a successful meeting with an elected official, and resources to craft and communicate an effective message. The AIBS Public Policy Office will provide participating scientists with guidance and some assistance with scheduling meetings. (Depending upon your institutional policy, individuals inviting their members of Congress to their facility may want to consult with the organization’s government relations officer.)  Participation is free, but registration is required and space is limited.  Registration will close on July 16, so log on to www.aibs.org/public-policy/congressional_district_visits.html.  And thanks go to asymptotia.com for the science cartoon contest submission pictured below.

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