Vermont has no confirmed infestations of spotted lanternfly yet, but it is established in nearby Massachusetts and could become established here. Join Dr. Elizabeth Barnes to learn about Massachusetts’ experience with this agricultural and nuisance pest and its preferred host, Tree-of-Heaven; how these pests might enter Vermont; where to look for them; and other important points to share with the public.

Join VT UCF Urban Forester Adz McCullough for an indoor/outdoor training to learn to identify and assess tree nuisances and learn simple techniques that eliminate or mitigate the nuisance while maintaining tree health.  Proper tree care will look better, manage the nuisance more thoroughly, save time and effort, and could prevent expensive permanent tree removal.  The training will be held at the Bennington town garage at 78 Bowen Road in Bennington and will run 11am - 3pm. 

The larval stages of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) feed on and kill boxwood (Buxus spp.) an important ornamental shrub. While it has not yet been detected in Vermont, box tree moth (BTM) was first detected in New York in 2021 and in Massachusetts on Cape Cod in 2023. Join Russell Norton to learn about the discovery and impact of BTM in Massachusetts, along with tips on how to identify this pest and slow its spread.

On average across the state, ash composes 5 to 7 % of Vermont’s forest, but in certain locales, ash may comprise 20-70% of all trees. State officials first confirmed emerald ash borer in Orange County in 2018. Since then, the pest has become well established across much of Vermont. In this presentation, Noah Hoffman will explain how emerald ash borer is affecting ash trees statewide and how FPR responds on state lands. He will also highlight the Department’s work to protect black ash, a species with special ecological and cultural importance.

The Asian longhorned beetle, also known as starry sky beetle, was first discovered in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2008. At the height of the infestation, which is ongoing, 110 square miles were regulated and under quarantine. Because the only way to effectively eliminate this wood-boring insect is to remove and chip all infested trees, since the discovery, over 35,000 trees have been harvested and destroyed. This presentation will share the story of Worcester’s experience with this beetle and tips for early detection to avoid this scenario in Vermont.

Join us for the annual Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Conference (formally Arbor Day Conference)!