See all the destruction?

This is the result of an invasive insect known at the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).  This insect was brought here from Asia.  It lives under the bark of Ash Trees and feeds off the tree.  Within a few years the Ash Tree dies.  There is no practical way to remove it from the environment.  It is expected to wipe out the entire Ash Tree population in PA.

Why are all the trees cut down?

Dead Ash Trees become brittle and can become a danger to our nearly 11,000 visitors a year here at the Althouse Arboretum.  For liability reasons, we were forced to cut down all 300 of them before they became dangerous.

What is next?

The Althouse Arboretum is managed by the private nonprofit GreenAllies. We are trying to come up with the resources to clear the old trees and replant with new native trees.  This will take some time and a lot of money.  Please be patient with us as we use volunteers to clean up the mess and hopefully one day, restore the forest.

What can YOU do?

There are three things that you can do right now.

1. As you walk the trails, please toss any sticks into the woods.  That will keep the trails clean for walkers and make it easier to walk.

2. Volunteer! We can use volunteers any time. Contact Nancy about visiting the Arboretum to see what needs to be done and then come work whenever you can. It would be a big help!

3. Please consider making a donation to GreenAllies to help us purchase new trees to replace the ones that were cut down.  We want to create a new and diverse forest.  To support the Arboretum reforestation project click the donate button or mail to:
GreenAllies
1794 Gilbertsville Road
Pottstown PA  19464

Thank you!

More about the Emerald Ash Borer here.