Winnipeg’s frigid winters may seem relentless, yet they have a surprisingly critical role in curbing the spread of the notoriously invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Martha Barwinsky, the City Forester, vividly recalls the long-dreaded discovery of EAB in Winnipeg back in 2017. “It was a feeling of dread,” she says, painting a picture of a community bracing against the impending threat.
The Alarm Bells Ring
Barwinsky recounts the day when a single tree’s plight sparked a city-wide emergency response. Signaled by unusual woodpecker activity, the tree was found infested with the EAB. As the realization dawned, the city’s forestry teams sprang into action, joined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and provincial colleagues, all working tirelessly to prevent a catastrophe.
Nature’s Winter Defense
Remarkably, the infestation has not spread as rapidly in Winnipeg as in other parts of North America, a phenomenon Barwinsky attributes largely to Winnipeg’s harsh winter conditions. “Even to this day, we really don’t know what’s happening. We’re an anomaly,” Barwinsky shares. The cold appears to thwart EAB’s growth, but this victory could be fleeting as climate change threatens to shorten the icy savior’s tenure.
A Proactive Approach
In an ongoing battle, Winnipeg’s forestry teams are not sitting idle. Proactively removing vulnerable and infested ash trees is central to their strategy, alongside injecting healthy trees with botanical insecticides. Homeowners, too, are encouraged to stay vigilant, inspecting their trees for tell-tale signs of infestation and promptly calling certified arborists when in doubt.
Community Engagement and Education
Education plays a pivotal role. Through platforms like “Our City, Our Podcast,” Barwinsky and her team disseminate vital information about tree care, invigorating community involvement in safeguarding the urban canopy. Though the fight against EAB seems daunting, Winnipeg stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and the power of informed, collective action.
In this battle against time and climate adaptation, the majestic ash trees of Winnipeg stand tall, their guardians ready at every turn. As stated in City of Winnipeg, their preservation underscores a community’s harmony with its natural world, defying perceived odds with every winter’s breath.