Six years ago Tenney-Lapham neighbors banded together to adopt over 30 mature trees in Tenney, Reynolds, and James Madison parks and protect them from Emerald Ash Borer infestation and impending removal. The treatments against the Ash Borer have been a tremendous success, and not a single tree that was adopted has succumbed to the exotic insect’s invasion in the region (though a couple trees have fell due to other causes, like flooding and storms).

The time to reapply treatment to these trees has again arrived, however, and with it the need to evaluate our conservation strategy, raise additional funds, and work with a contractor to get the trees treated. In collaboration with the City Parks department, we recently reassessed all the Ash trees in these three parks and identified 25 healthy, happy trees eligible for readoption. You may have noticed, as each has been repainted with a blue “T” at its base.

In the coming months, we’ll be working together to organize the readoptions, coordinate treatments, and if necessary, identify which trees to prioritize. In the meantime, take a moment to stroll through any of our parks, appreciate all the wonder and benefits of these large beautiful trees, and if you are in a position to do so, begin planning your tax-deductible donation to help protect the canopy of your favorite park or tree. More information on ways to contribute to the effort will be coming soon via TLNA’s email list, social media, and website—so stay tuned!