The Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer have been found within 100 miles of the NH border, posing a significant threat to the health of our forest ecosystem. Tin Mountain’s November EcoForum will cover the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of these pests, identifying the insects and distinguishing them from look-alikes. Piera Siegert, NH State Entomologist & Laura Beard, NH Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Coordinator will discuss how to report your survey findings to the state, and how to train others to conduct surveys. Please join Tin Mountain on Thursday, November 8 at noon to learn more.

Piera Siegert is the NH State Entomologist with the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. Laura Beard is the NH Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Coordinator. She works with the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to spread the word about keeping track of these invasive species, which have the potential to do tremendous damage to New Hampshire’s forest ecosystem.

Piera and Laura will provide a general overview of these two invasive insects before delving into how to accurately identify the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer and distinguish the two from common look-alikes. They will also discuss how and where to report findings to state agencies and how to train individuals to conduct surveys. Volunteers have been an integral part of early identification and intervention in infestations in other states – learn how you can help.

The Eco-Forum lunchtime lecture series is sponsored by The Flatbread Company of North Conway, the Rock House Mountain Baker, and Frontside Grind Coffee and Espresso. It is presented at noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Tin Mountain Nature Learning Center in Albany. The public is urged to attend to learn more about salient issues facing our natural environment and to hear the views of thought-provoking speakers.