Saving 18 Pumpkin Ash Trees for a Decade

On April 17, 2024, FODM volunteers and National Park Service (NPS) staffers surveyed the 18 pumpkin ash trees (Fraxinus profunda) that we have been protecting in Dyke Marsh since 2015.

FODMers Jim Gearing and Robert Smith and Brent Steury and Jonathan Molineaux from the National Park Service examined and measured the trees, secured the “beaver-gnawing” protective netting and replaced tree identification tags and marking ribbons where needed.  

All 18 trees are at appropriate stages of budding, flowering and leafing. Our conclusion so far is that they all continue to prosper. Later this year the team will harvest seeds from some of the trees.

FODM is funding treatments of these 18 trees every other year. Many species of ash trees are being attacked by the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). (See our longer article in “Marsh Life.”)

Jonathan Molineaux and Brent Steury from NPS brought a ladder to help the surveyors access the site. This is the new bridge 23 on the Mount Vernon Trail to open in May 2024.

Jim Gearing, Brent Steury and Robert Smith assessed the trees' leafing out.

Project leader Robert Smith measured all 18 trees.