Join our local Maine Forest Service District Forester, Jared Gregory, for a walk and talk at Hidden Valley Nature Center focused on tree diseases, specifically those affecting the American beech tree (Fagus grandifolia).
Most of us are familiar with these towering beauties with their surfboard shaped leaves, folded beach umbrella buds, and elephant leg trunks. They tower over our yards and bring shade to the Maine forest, but, beech trees are suffering from two distinct diseases that are threatening their health and survival on the Maine landscape. Join us as we learn the science behind the beech bark and beech leaf diseases.
At the start of this Wednesday Wander we will learn how to identify American beech in our forests. We will talk about the role of beech historically and how our forests have changed since European settlement, with a focus on the exotic pests and diseases that have reshaped the forested landscape, especially those impacting beech.
The conversation will conclude with a discussion on how to prepare for Beech Leaf Disease from a forest stewardship perspective and an overview of the mitigation efforts against other exotic forest health issues (some stories do have happy endings!).
All are welcome, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.